AV Unveils LOCUST® X3: Third-Generation Modular Directed Energy Weapon System

Key Terms

directed energy weapon technical

A directed energy weapon uses concentrated beams of energy—such as lasers, microwaves, or particle beams—to damage, disable or disrupt targets without using traditional projectiles. Think of it like a highly focused flashlight or radio signal that can burn, blind, heat, or interfere with electronics from a distance. Investors care because advances or setbacks in this technology affect defense budgets, supplier revenue, export rules, and risks tied to military contracts and commercial spin‑offs.

high-energy laser technical

A high-energy laser is a device that produces a tightly focused beam of light with enough power to cut, weld, disable equipment, or destroy targets by heating material very quickly — think of it as concentrated sunlight used like a precision heat tool. For investors, it matters because these systems drive markets in defense, industrial manufacturing, and materials processing, carry high development and production costs, involve regulatory and export controls, and can change competitive positions if they become commercially practical.

unmanned aerial technical

Unmanned aerial describes aircraft that fly without a person on board, controlled remotely or by onboard computers to perform tasks like surveying land, delivering goods, or taking photos. For investors, these systems matter because they change how industries operate—similar to how self-checkout changed retail—by cutting labor costs, creating new service markets, and raising regulatory and safety questions that can affect revenue, adoption pace, and company valuations.

unmanned aircraft systems technical

Unmanned aircraft systems are the complete setup that lets a pilot on the ground operate a flying vehicle remotely, including the aircraft itself, the ground controls, communications links, and any cameras or sensors it carries. Think of it as a remote‑controlled delivery truck plus its driver’s console and radio connection. Investors care because these systems create new markets and revenue streams while bringing regulatory, safety and supply‑chain risks that can affect company value.

modular open systems approach technical

A modular open systems approach is a way of designing products so parts can be mixed, matched and upgraded independently, often using shared standards that allow different suppliers to provide compatible components. For investors it matters because this reduces vendor lock-in, speeds product upgrades, lowers long‑term costs and can expand the pool of suppliers, all of which can improve a company’s flexibility, revenue potential and resilience to supply disruptions—think of it like building with LEGO blocks instead of fixed, one‑piece toys.

hardware-agnostic technical

Hardware-agnostic describes software, systems, or services that can run on different physical devices or equipment without needing changes. Think of it like a universal remote that works with many TV brands; it reduces dependence on one supplier and makes upgrades or replacements easier. For investors, hardware-agnostic offerings can lower costs, widen potential markets, and reduce operational risk tied to a single vendor, which can improve scalability and resilience.

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.

high-energy laser system technical

A high-energy laser system is a device that produces a very powerful, tightly focused beam of light capable of damaging, disabling or altering targets at a distance — think of a magnifying glass concentrating sunlight but on a much larger, engineered scale. Investors care because these systems are capital- and technology-intensive products that can win large, long-term defense or industrial contracts, drive high margins if successful, and carry technical, regulatory and deployment risks that affect revenue timelines and valuation.

Modular AI-Powered Precision. Speed-of-Light Engagement. Production Ready.

ARLINGTON, Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- AeroVironment, Inc. (“AV”) (NASDAQ: AVAV), a global defense technology leader, today announced the release of LOCUST^® X3, the third generation of AV’s high-energy laser weapon system that delivers precise, speed-of-light engagement for rapid defeat of unmanned aerial threats.

AV’s LOCUST® X3 high-energy laser system, shown mounted on a tactical vehicle, delivers mobile, scalable, and cost-effective counter-drone defense with precision speed-of-light engagement. (Photo Credit: AV)

LOCUST X3 builds on lessons learned from widely deployed systems to set a new standard in modular, AI-enabled drone defense—delivering unprecedented precision, scalability, and operational flexibility to defeat current and emerging aerial threats, including Group 1-3 unmanned aircraft systems and unmanned surface vehicles.

Recently featured by CBS News’ 60 Minutes, the LOCUST X3 offers cost-effective engagements below $5 per shot and sustained defense without the reload limitations of traditional defense systems, LOCUST X3 offers a transformative solution for modern air defense.

“In today’s rapidly evolving battlespace, adversaries are deploying mass drone attacks and saturation tactics that threaten mission success and warfighter survivability,” said Wahid Nawabi, Chairman, President, and Chief Executive Officer at AV. “With LOCUST X3, we deliver an affordable, scalable solution to outpace and neutralize large-scale aerial threats, safeguard critical infrastructure, and maintain decisive advantage wherever the fight demands.”

The new LOCUST X3 features a scalable 20–35+ kilowatt laser, a modular beam director, and advanced AI-enabled detection, tracking, and engagement automation powered by AV_Halo™ PINPOINT, part of the company's hardware-agnostic software platform for layered counter-Unmanned Aircraft System (C-UAS) defense.

Aligned with Department of War’s mandated Modular Open Systems Approach (MOSA) principles, LOCUST X3 enables rapid upgrades and seamless integration across both fixed and mobile defense platforms. LOCUST X3 builds on the proven legacy of the LOCUST platform, which has been successfully fielded through the Army Multi-Purpose High Energy Laser (AMP-HEL) and Palletized High Energy Laser (PHEL) programs, and validated on platforms like the Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV) and the Infantry Squad Vehicle (ISV).

“LOCUST X3 transforms how defenders respond to the challenge of massed drone attacks,” said Mary Clum, President of AV’s Space, Cyber & Directed Energy segment. “Its modular design and advanced AI allow for resilient, adaptive protection of critical assets—on any platform, at the tactical edge or at fixed sites. With LOCUST X3, operators can now counter high-volume threats with unmatched speed, precision, and affordability.”

LOCUST X3: Precise, Persistent, and Production-Ready for Modern Defense

Designed for persistent counter-UAS defense, LOCUST X3 offers:

• Maintainability and Maneuverability in the Field: The LOCUST X3 is battle tested, leveraging hundreds of lessons learned from prior deployments that drive system performance, and field maintainability—particularly in dynamic, high-density threat environments.

• Platform Agnostic: The LOCUST X3 is ready for the fight today and in the future, regardless of configuration and platform. Seamless integration on tactical vehicles (e.g., JLTV, ISV), fixed sites for broad platform and mission compatibility, or scaled for maritime environments.

• Producibility In Mind: The third-generation LOCUST technology optimized for repeatable manufacturing and force-wide deployment. Built with modular subsystems and dual-use, commercially mature components to enable rapid production ramp, reduced unit cost at scale, and sustainable long-term support.

• Scaled Lethality: The LOCUST X3 leverages best of breed laser capability to scale the lethality of the system to be right sized from low power configurations to high power 30kW+ configurations to be right sized for all customer missions and needs.

• AV_Halo PINPOINT Precision: AV’s exclusive software delivers unmatched precision in acquisition, targeting and pointing. This removes the burden on the operator and allows them to focus on the mission while providing seamless tracking, identification, and defeat.

About AV

AeroVironment (“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; market acceptance of new products; 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.

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AV Investor Contact:

Denise Pacioni

ir@avinc.com

805.795.4108

AV Media Contact:

BJ Koubaroulis

bj.koubaroulis@avinc.com

747.324.5358

Source: AeroVironment, Inc.