The LOCUST Laser Weapon System (LWS) or Modular Laser Directed Energy Weapon System, is a directed-energy weapon developed by AeroVironment to serve as a counter-unmanned aerial system (C-UAS) which utilizes artificial intelligence to intercept unmanned aerial vehicle (UAVs). On December 18, 2025, AeroVironment had delivered the first two Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV)-mounted LOCUST LWSs to the U.S. Army for the Army Multi-Purpose High Energy Laser (AMP-HEL) prototyping effort to create directed energy lasers that can counter UAVs.
Purpose
The LWS uses a MOSA-based modular configuration to be able to be modified to suite specific mission needs. It uses 20-35+ kW of power, with the ability to scale.
Designed for the U.S. Army's JLTV, and M1301 infantry squad vehicle (ISV) and other defensive needs, LWS offers a hard-kill option for incoming UAV threats.
History AeroVironment was given a contract by the U.S. Navy's Naval Surface Warfare Center during 2023 to create a prototype for a directed energy weapon for the U.S. Marine Corps' JLTV; this turned into the LWS.
The LWS had been tested on board the USS George H. W. Bush as part of a live-fire test. During the live-fire, the LWS successfully detected, engaged, and destroyed multiple unmanned aerial vehicles.
In August 2026, the system was used to disable UAVs along the US-Mexico border.
See also AN/SEQ-3 Laser Weapon System High Energy Laser with Integrated Optical-dazzler and Surveillance
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