AeroVironment announced a $405 million international direct commercial sales order for its LOCUST X3 high-energy laser weapon systems. The company said the order will expand counter-UAS capabilities in the Middle East.
The company cited escalating regional security threats and the spread of low-cost, increasingly sophisticated drones. LOCUST X3 is designed to counter Group 1–3 unmanned aircraft systems.
LOCUST X3 can be integrated with radar, command-and-control and kinetic systems as part of a layered defense. AeroVironment says directed energy can reduce the cost per engagement and preserve traditional interceptors for higher-end threats.
