US Army puts high-energy laser weapons into mass production

The USA is moving from the prototype period to the mass production phase of high-energy laser weapons. The US Army awarded a $464.8 million contract to AeroVironment under the Enduring-High Energy Laser (E-HEL) program.

At the heart of the contract is LOCUST X3, developed by AeroVironment. The system, which uses a high-energy laser of approximately 30 kW class, is designed especially against small and medium class UAV threats.

The company announced that dozens of LOCUST X3 systems will be delivered to the US Army over the next few years under the contract. The first capabilities are expected to appear within the next year.

The system can especially target UAVs in the Group 3 class. Vehicles in this class can have a takeoff weight of up to 600 kilograms and an operating altitude of up to approximately 18 thousand feet.

One of the most important advantages of laser weapons is the cost of ammunition. While traditional air defense systems use an interceptor missile for each target, laser systems can engage consecutive targets as long as there is sufficient electrical energy. The US Army also positions E-HEL as an element of layered air defense, especially against low-cost and intense UAV attacks.

It is stated that LOCUST X3 uses artificial intelligence-supported systems in target detection, tracking and prioritization processes. Thanks to its open architecture, it can be integrated with different radars and sensors.

LOCUST X3 will not remain a fixed air defense system. Thanks to its modular structure, it was designed to be integrated into land vehicles such as Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV) and used on different platforms.

AeroVironment is also preparing to increase its production capacity from dozens of systems to more than 20 units per year. The company states that the capacity will be further increased in the next 12-24 months.

The most striking aspect of the $464.8 million contract is not just the amount. AeroVironment describes the agreement as the first production contract awarded for directed energy weapons in U.S. history. Thus, laser weapons are moving from long-standing prototypes and field tests to become a permanent military capability.

This development stands out as an important indicator of the US's quest to change the air defense concept in the modern warfare environment, where UAVs can be used at increasingly lower costs and in higher numbers.