US Army tests 20,000W vehicle-mounted laser systems for drone defense — updated LOCUST device is now more lethal against drones

The US Army is testing a 20,000W vehicle-mounted laser system called LOCUST for drone defense, which has been updated to be more lethal against drones. The new LOCUST Laser Weapon System (LWS) from AeroVironment (AV) Inc. aims to protect soldiers and assets in various missions where drones pose a threat. The system is designed for rapid deployment and can be mounted on different military platforms like the Oshkosh Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV). The LOCUST features a 20kW-class laser weapon with improved lethality performance and adaptable controls for targeting drones effectively. AV's laser systems have been battle-tested for over three years, providing proven force protection capabilities in real-world combat scenarios.