Leonardo DRS Selected by AV for U.S. Army’s Enduring-High Energy Laser Production Program

The subcontract moves DRS’ work with AeroVironment from earlier mobile laser prototyping into support for Army production.

Rhea-AI Summary

Leonardo DRS (DRS) was selected by AeroVironment to supply integration expertise for the U.S. Army’s Enduring-High Energy Laser production program. Its subcontract supports AeroVironment’s production of LOCUST X3 laser weapon systems. DRS will provide power and thermal management subsystems for a mobile laser system intended to counter unmanned aircraft threats.

Positive

• Minor pointAeroVironment subcontract secures DRS a role in the Army’s Enduring-High Energy Laser production program.

Negative

• None.

Key Figures

Laser system power: 30 kilowatts

Laser system power

30 kilowatts

AV’s LOCUST X3 system

Key Terms

unmanned aircraft system (uas), directed-energy, thermal management, live-fire evaluations

4 terms

unmanned aircraft system (uas) technical

"mobile counter-unmanned aircraft system (UAS) capability"

An unmanned aircraft system (UAS) is the complete setup for operating a drone: the aircraft itself plus the ground controls, communication links, sensors, batteries and any launch or recovery equipment. Investors care because a UAS’s capabilities, safety, regulatory approval and costs determine market opportunities and risks for industries like delivery, surveying, agriculture and defense—think of it as buying not just a vehicle but the driver, radio and fuel that make it useful.

directed-energy technical

"scalable, fieldable directed-energy capabilities"

Directed-energy describes technology that sends concentrated beams of light, radio waves, or microwaves to produce an effect at a distance, similar to using a focused flashlight rather than a room lamp. For investors, it matters because development, manufacturing, and deployment of these systems can drive defense and industrial spending, create intellectual property and export rules, and affect revenue and risk profiles for firms involved in advanced electronics and materials.

thermal management technical

"power and thermal management"

Thermal management is the set of methods and technologies used to control temperature and move heat away from sensitive parts of a device, system, or facility so it stays within safe, efficient limits. For investors, effective thermal management protects product performance and lifespan, reduces safety and warranty risks, and can lower operating and compliance costs—like a building’s heating and cooling that prevents damage and keeps value intact.

live-fire evaluations technical

"for U.S. government live-fire evaluations and training"

Tests of weapons, munitions, vehicles or related systems that use live ammunition, explosives, or other real propellants and loads under controlled conditions to measure performance, reliability, safety and operational effects. Live-fire evaluations differ from simulations, inert or 'dry-fire' tests by producing real ballistic, blast or thermal effects; because they involve hazardous materials and realistic stresses, they require specialized safety procedures, range facilities and often regulatory or customer oversight.

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DRS will provide critical power and thermal management subsystems for a mobile counter-unmanned aircraft system capability

ARLINGTON, Va., Nov. 02, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Leonardo DRS, Inc. (Nasdaq: DRS) announced today that AeroVironment, Inc. (“AV”) (Nasdaq: AVAV) has selected the company to provide rugged integration expertise for the U.S. Army’s Enduring-High Energy Laser (E-HEL) production program. DRS will apply its expertise in power management, environmental control to enable the mobile high-energy laser system intended to counter unmanned aircraft system (UAS) threats.

In September 2026, the U.S. Army announced its award to AV for the E-HEL program, describing it as the service’s first production contract for a high-energy laser weapon system. The Army said E-HEL is intended to give soldiers a scalable, affordable directed-energy system that strengthens C-UAS operations.

DRS’ subcontract supports AV’s production of LOXUST X3 laser weapon systems und the Army’s E-HEL program. AV’s 30-kilowatt, platform-agnostic LOCUST X3 is designed for integration across a range of military platforms, including the Army’s Joint Light Tactical Vehicle, with palletized configuration options also available.

“The Army’s move to production reflects the growing importance of scalable, fieldable directed-energy capabilities in countering evolving UAS threats,” said John Baylouny, president and chief executive officer of Leonardo DRS. “DRS is proud to partner with AV and bring its integration expertise to its E-HEL production effort.”

“Evolving drone threats demand systems that deliver reliable performance in demanding operational environments,” said Aaron Hankins, vice president and general manager, Leonardo DRS Land Systems. “Our team is applying experience in vehicle integration, power and thermal management to help AV deliver a mobile high-energy laser capability for the U.S. Army.”

The work builds on DRS’ previous directed-energy integration experience, including a rapid-prototyping effort in partnership with AeroVironment and other industry partners to develop a mobile counter-UAS directed-energy capability integrated into an armored vehicle. In that effort, DRS provided vehicle-integration, power, thermal-management and systems-engineering expertise for U.S. government live-fire evaluations and training in 2024 and 2025.

By applying this experience to the E-HEL program, DRS is helping bring scalable, fieldable directed-energy technology to the Army’s counter-UAS mission and broader defense-modernization efforts.

About Leonardo DRS

Leonardo DRS, Inc. (Nasdaq: DRS) is at the forefront of developing transformative defense technologies using its proven agility and delivering innovative solutions for U.S. national security customers and allies worldwide. We specialize in rapidly providing high-performance, multi-domain capabilities across next-generation advanced sensing, network computing, force protection, and electric power and propulsion. Our reputation as a trusted provider is built on a continuous focus on practical innovation, delivering quality, and meeting our customers’ most demanding mission requirements. For further information on our complete range of capabilities, visit www.LeonardoDRS.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This communication contains statements that constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Those statements reflect current expectations, assumptions and estimates of future performance and economic conditions. The company cautions investors that any forward-looking statements which include contract values, contract performance and our development and production of products are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results and future trends to differ materially from those matters expressed in or implied by such forward-looking statements.

Leonardo DRS Investor Relations Contact
Camilla Yanushevsky
Director, Investor Relations
+1 571 309 8216
investorrelations@drs.com

Leonardo DRS Media Contact
Charles Jones
Director, Marketing and Corporate Communications
+1 571-737-8800
charles.jones@drs.com  

FAQ

AI-generated questions and answers. How Rhea-AI works. Not financial advice.

What will Leonardo DRS supply for the Army’s E-HEL program?

Leonardo DRS will provide power and thermal management subsystems and integration expertise to support AeroVironment’s production of LOCUST X3 laser weapon systems. The mobile high-energy laser system is intended to counter unmanned aircraft threats.

What prior laser integration work has Leonardo DRS done with AeroVironment?

DRS previously partnered with AeroVironment and other industry partners on a rapid-prototyping effort to integrate a mobile counter-drone laser capability into an armored vehicle. DRS supplied vehicle integration, power, thermal management and systems engineering expertise for U.S. government live-fire evaluations and training in 2024 and 2025.