Swarms of locusts in South Australia are not likely to reach outbreak levels, according to experts, with potential El Niño weather conditions forecast.
Multiple locust swarms in South Australia's Riverland region have put farmers and authorities on alert, prompting the South Australian Plague Locust Commissioner to send surveying teams to the region.
The US Navy conducted the first test of the Locust laser weapon system to destroy unmanned aerial vehicles from the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS George Bush. This marks the first time a laser weapon has been installed on an aircraft carrier. The Locust system, with an estimated power of 26 kilowatts, uses special sensors including high-frequency radars and radio frequency signal detection systems for guidance. While lasers provide virtually unlimited ammunition, they can be affected by weather conditions, smoke, and dust, requiring higher power for longer distances.
