AV Delivers JLTV-Mounted LOCUST Laser Weapon Systems to U.S. Army

Key Terms

counter-unmanned aircraft system technical

A counter-unmanned aircraft system is a set of tools and technologies used to detect, track and stop small drones that could threaten safety, privacy or operations. For investors it matters because rising drone use and tighter safety rules create steady demand for makers of sensors, jammers, software and mitigation services—like hiring guards and locks for a property—offering potential revenue growth alongside regulatory and technology risks.

joint light tactical vehicle technical

A joint light tactical vehicle is a military-grade, armored transport designed to carry troops, cargo and mission equipment while offering protection from small arms fire and roadside bombs; think of it as a heavy-duty pickup truck built for combat. It matters to investors because these vehicles are bought in large, long-term government contracts that create steady revenue for manufacturers, sustain parts and service businesses, and influence defense industry valuations.

laser weapon systems technical

Laser weapon systems are defense devices that use tightly focused beams of light to damage, disable or blind targets instead of conventional explosives. Think of them as a precision magnifying glass or high-powered flashlight that heats or disrupts a specific point at long range. For investors, they matter because they create opportunities and risks for defense suppliers: they can reduce long-term costs and enable new capabilities, but require heavy R&D, regulatory approvals and complex integration.

directed energy technical

Directed energy describes weapons or tools that send concentrated beams of energy—such as lasers, microwaves, or particle streams—toward a target to heat, disable, or disrupt it rather than using conventional projectiles. Like using a magnifying glass to focus sunlight on a single spot, these systems can deliver effects at speed and with precision. Investors watch directed energy because it drives defense and high-tech spending, influences regulatory and export rules, and carries long development timelines and maintenance costs that affect company value.

command-and-control architectures technical

Command-and-control architectures are the networks and systems attackers use to remotely operate compromised devices or software, sending orders and receiving stolen data—think of a puppet master controlling many puppets from a single console. For investors this matters because if a company’s IT is infiltrated by such a control system it can cause operational outages, data theft, regulatory fines and reputational damage, any of which can hurt revenue and share value.

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ARLINGTON, Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- AeroVironment, Inc. (“AV”) (NASDAQ: AVAV), a leading provider of counter-unmanned aircraft system (C-UAS) technologies, today announced the successful delivery of two Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV)-mounted mobile C-UAS Laser Weapon Systems (LWS) to the U.S. Army as part of the second increment of the Army Multi-Purpose High Energy Laser (AMP-HEL) prototyping effort. These systems were delivered to the Army’s Rapid Capabilities and Critical Technologies Office (RCCTO), now integrated into the Portfolio Acquisition Executive Fires, reflecting the Army’s ongoing transformation and acquisition reform efforts.

The LOCUST Laser Weapon System (LWS) integrated on an Oshkosh Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV) was delivered to the U.S. Army Rapid Capabilities and Critical Technologies Office (RCCTO) as part of the second increment of the Army Multi-Purpose High Energy Laser (AMP-HEL) prototyping effort. [Credit: AV]

In September, AV announced delivery of the first increment of AMP-HEL prototype systems–two LOCUST LWS integrated on the General Motors Defense Infantry Squad Vehicle (ISV) platform. This second-increment system on the Oshkosh JLTV platform features the same 20kW-class LOCUST LWS with a larger aperture beam director, improving lethality performance.

“AV continues to deliver proven, efficient, modular laser weapon systems that perform and protect in real-world threat environments,” said Mary Clum, President, Space, Cyber & Directed Energy for AV. “Integrated as part of these AMP-HEL systems, LOCUST is a cost-effective, rugged, precise, and scalable solution that is addressing the ever-evolving UAS threats our warfighters are facing on frontlines today. With the technology proven, we remain focused on advancing capabilities while scaling manufacturing to meet the growing demand.”

AV delivered its first LOCUST LWS to RCCTO as part of the Palletized-High Energy Laser (P-HEL) program in 2022. With more than three years of operational deployment outside the United States, these state-of-the-art LWS have demonstrated exceedingly high operational availability rates for prototype systems after first generation lessons learned informed necessary improvements now supporting current technology development efforts. During these deployments, the LOCUST-equipped P-HEL systems, now integrated on AMP-HEL, have performed their designed mission against UAS threats in real world combat.

“Directed energy is no longer a future concept—it is a proven force-protection capability,” said John Garrity, Vice President of AV’s Directed Energy business unit. “Since deployed, LOCUST-equipped P-HEL systems have actively protected warfighters, allies, and critical infrastructure against aerial threats. With LOCUST’s target acquisition, tracking and precision beam control, warfighters have an easy-to-use, reliable, trusted, and proven solution against the very real and evolving threats of modern warfare.”

Designed to be platform-agnostic and rapidly deployable, AV’s directed-energy systems integrate seamlessly with Army command-and-control architectures, providing a critical C-UAS capability that protects Soldiers and assets across a wide range of missions and environments. These systems have been successfully integrated in fixed-site base defense systems and on maneuverable platforms, including the ISV and JLTV, and mounted on the Light Medium Tactical Vehicle for increased mobility.

About AV

AV (NASDAQ: AVAV) is a defense technology leader delivering integrated capabilities across air, land, sea, space, and cyber. The Company develops and deploys autonomous systems, loitering munitions, counter-UAS technologies, space-based platforms, directed energy systems, and cyber and electronic warfare capabilities—built to meet the mission needs of today’s warfighter and tomorrow’s conflicts. At the core of these technologies lies AV_Halo, a modular, mission-ready suite of AI-powered software tools that empowers warfighters and enables full-battlefield dominance: detect, decide, deliver. With a national manufacturing footprint and a deep innovation pipeline, AV delivers proven systems and future-defining capabilities at speed, scale, and operational relevance. For more information, visit www.avinc.com.

Safe Harbor Statement

Certain statements in this press release may constitute "forward-looking statements" as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements are based on current expectations, forecasts, and assumptions that involve risks and uncertainties, which could cause actual results to differ materially. Factors that may cause such differences include, but are not limited to, our ability to perform under existing contracts and obtain new ones; regulatory changes; competitor activities; market growth; product development challenges; and general economic conditions. For a more detailed discussion of these risks, please refer to AeroVironment’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. We undertake no obligation to update forward-looking statements as a result of new information or future events.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20251218237438/en/

Media Contact:
Ashley Young
pr@avinc.com
703.718.4060

Investor Contact:
Denise Pacioni
ir@avinc.com
805.795.4108

Source: AeroVironment, Inc.