AeroVironment Wins $405 Million Locust Laser Order

The order comes as the region faces growing security threats from low-cost, increasingly sophisticated drones. One-way attack drones have been used against energy facilities, airports, military sites and other critical infrastructure, AeroVironment said. Their ability to be launched in large numbers makes them harder to detect and intercept, the company added.

AeroVironment said its Locust X3 is designed to provide a scalable, high-energy laser capability to counter such threats. Chief Executive Wahid Nawabi said customers need defenses that can be fielded quickly and sustained over time. He described the award as a sign of growing recognition that directed energy is essential to modern layered air defense.

The company plans to establish a maintenance and sustainment depot in the customer’s country. It said the facility will provide regional repair, technical support, training and lifecycle services for the order.