AeroVironment announces $405 million LOCUST X3 laser order

AeroVironment said it received a $405 million international direct-commercial-sales order for LOCUST X3 high-energy laser systems for counter-drone defence in the Middle East.

By TomorrowNews · AI-assisted briefing
Source published 11 Nov 2026 · Briefing published 12 November 2026

Conceptual illustration of a ground-based high-energy laser system countering small unmanned aircraft at a test range — AI-generated illustration — not a photograph of the event. Conceptual editorial rendering, not documentary evidence. · TomorrowNews / AI-generated illustration

The company describes LOCUST X3 as a system for countering Group 1–3 unmanned aircraft within a layered air-defence network that also uses radar, command-and-control and conventional interceptors.

AeroVironment said it intends to establish an in-country maintenance and sustainment depot. The customer, delivery schedule and number of systems were not disclosed in the announcement.

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