AeroVironment, Inc. (AV) has announced the release of LOCUST® X3, the third generation of the company’s AI-enabled high-energy laser weapon system designed to defeat uncrewed aerial systems (UAS).
Capable of engaging Group 1-3 UAS, LOCUST X3 can also be deployed to counter rogue unmanned surface vehicles.
The new LOCUST X3 features a scalable 20–35+ kilowatt laser, a modular beam director and AI-enabled detection, tracking, and engagement automation powered by AV_Halo™ PINPOINT, part of the company’s hardware-agnostic software platform for layered counter-UAS defence.
AV says the system is aligned with the United States defence department’s mandated Modular Open Systems Approach (MOSA) principles, enables “rapid upgrades and seamless integration” across both fixed and mobile defence platforms. LOCUST X3 engagements cost less than USD5 per shot.
For more information
The 2026 Unmanned Airspace Global Counter-UAS Systems Directory is now available. The Guide is the world’s only comprehensive, continually updated directory of global C-UAS companies and systems. It itemises over 1,000 C-UAS products and services with performance details, company sales and partnerships arrangements. It is updated every month and broken down into niche sub-sectors (net-capture, missiles, intercept drones, detectors etc) to give C-UAS procurement and industry personnel a unique perspective of global C-UAS technical capabilities and market positions. It is available in word, PDF and excel formats and Unmanned Airspace readers are eligible for a range of discounts. For more information about the Directory please contact the editor Philip Butterworth-Hayes at philip@unmannedairspace.info.