U.S. Army Deploys First Mobile Laser Weapon Systems to Counter Drone Threats

Arlington, VA : The U.S. Army has received its first two mobile Laser Weapon Systems (LWS) from AeroVironment, marking a major leap in the use of directed-energy weapons for frontline defense. Delivered under the Multi-Purpose High Energy Laser (AMP-HEL) program, these cutting-edge systems will be fielded by the Army’s Rapid Capabilities and Critical Technologies Office (RCCTO).

Powerful Counter-Drone Technology

At the core of the new systems is AeroVironment’s 20kW-class LOCUST laser, mounted on the General Motors Defense Infantry Squad Vehicle (ISV). This combination creates a lightweight, maneuverable, and highly mobile defense platform designed to protect ground forces against Class I and Class II drones with speed and precision.

The LOCUST laser delivers a cost-effective, silent, and invisible beam capable of destroying aerial threats at the squad level. Unlike traditional missile interceptors, the system offers an unlimited magazine capacity — firing as long as power is available — drastically reducing logistics and operational costs.

Testing and Training

The laser prototypes were manufactured at AeroVironment’s directed-energy facility in Albuquerque, New Mexico, before undergoing extensive government acceptance testing at Yuma Proving Ground, Arizona. Evaluations focused on lethality, power management, safety, and vehicle mobility.

Following successful trials, the systems were transferred to Fort Sill, Oklahoma, where Army troops began hands-on training with the equipment. Soldiers are now learning how to integrate the directed-energy weapon into live operations, with feedback set to guide future improvements.

Mobility with the Infantry Squad Vehicle

The ISV, built on the Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 chassis, can transport a nine-soldier squad with full gear. Its lightweight design allows internal transport inside CH-47 Chinooks and sling-load capability under UH-60 Black Hawks, giving commanders flexible deployment options. With advanced off-road mobility, the ISV provides frontline infantry with an organic, mobile counter-drone shield without depending on fixed defenses.

Next Steps: JLTV Variant

In October 2025, AeroVironment will deliver two additional AMP-HEL systems, this time integrated onto the Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV) platform. These upgraded systems will feature onboard radar and command-and-control suites, enabling semi-autonomous engagement and greater battlefield awareness.

Strategic Importance

The advantages of the AMP-HEL system are wide-ranging:

• Unlimited magazine powered by onboard energy.

• Low cost per shot compared to missiles.

• Stealth engagement with no visible or audible signature.

• Reduced collateral damage, making it ideal for urban combat.

By mounting the system on light vehicles like the ISV and JLTV, the Army is embedding directed-energy protection directly into infantry units, ensuring agility and survivability against swarming drone threats.

Army’s Vision for Future Warfare

Army leaders have emphasized that directed energy is no longer experimental — it is becoming combat-ready technology. Drone threats are evolving with increased autonomy, swarming tactics, and advanced payloads, and lasers like LOCUST provide scalable, precise, and sustainable defenses.

Mary Clum, AeroVironment’s Senior Vice President for Space & Directed Energy, hailed the delivery as “a major step forward in the Army’s pursuit of fieldable directed-energy capabilities.” John Garrity, Vice President of Directed Energy Systems, added, “The time is now. LOCUST meets the Army’s need for mobile, effective, and scalable air defense.”

A New Chapter in Battlefield Defense

The delivery of the first AMP-HEL prototypes marks the transition of directed-energy weapons from the laboratory to the battlefield. With ISV-mounted lasers already in Army hands, and JLTV-based systems arriving soon, the U.S. Army is moving decisively toward a future where high-energy lasers are a standard tool for countering aerial threats.