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U.S. Army Tests AeroVironment's LOCUST Laser Drone Defense System for Homeland Airspace Security

AeroVironment’s LOCUST high-energy laser weapon system has completed a live counter-drone test at White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico, demonstrating the ability to engage both stationary and airborne unmanned aircraft while advancing U.S. efforts to deploy directed-energy defenses in domestic airspace. The company announced on May 6, 2026, that the event conducted with Joint Interagency Task Force 401 and the Federal Aviation Administration delivered new safety data critical for future counter-drone operations around military bases, borders, airports, and critical infrastructure. The March 7–8 test connected real laser engagements with validated airspace control procedures, a key step before high-energy weapons can be fielded in populated or heavily regulated environments. The demonstration also reflects the growing military focus on low-cost, rapid-response counter-UAS systems capable of defeating drone threats without relying on conventional missiles or kinetic interceptors. Read more...

AeroVironment’s LOCUST high-energy laser weapon system demonstrated counter-drone engagements at White Sands Missile Range with JIATF-401 and the FAA, marking a step toward regulated U.S. use of directed-energy defenses for homeland security, military installations, and deployed force protection (Picture source: AeroVironment).





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