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2w ago

Navy Confirms Carrier Laser Downed Drones in LOCUST Test

Navy leaders want repeatable results before committing to fleet-wide buys.

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A containerized LOCUST Laser Weapon System (LWS) is set up on the flight deck of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier, USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77), for a live-fire test. During the live-fire event, LOCUST LWS effectively detected, tracked, engaged, and neutralized multiple unmanned aerial vehicles marking a milestone toward fielding operational directed energy capabilities. (Photo courtesy U.S. Navy)
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AV’s palletized LOCUST® laser weapon system operated aboard USS George H.W. Bush, successfully detecting, tracking, and neutralizing drone threats during a live-fire demonstration at sea. Photo: AV

Overview

  • The carrier demonstration, conducted in October 2025 in the Atlantic, used the LOCUST laser to detect, track, and disable multiple drones.
  • The palletized, containerized unit rolls onto a deck or vehicle without major modifications, and reports place its output around 20 to 26 kilowatts.
  • The trial involved AeroVironment and the Army’s Rapid Capabilities and Critical Technologies Office, and the Army has received palletized and vehicle-mounted variants.
  • Laser weapons offer a near-zero cost per shot against small drones, easing the strain of firing expensive missiles at low-cost aerial threats at sea.
  • Photos released by the Navy in April 2026 to coincide with the Sea‑Air‑Space expo confirmed the event, and Acting CNO Adm. James Kilby said he will wait for consistent performance before buying at scale.