AeroVironment launches Locust X3 – an AI-enabled C-UAS laser

AeroVironment has released details of its new C-UAS laser, Locust X3. The world is clamouring for effective counter-drone solutions, and mobile systems that can destroy them effectively and cheaply are near the top of the pile. 

By Sam Cranny-Evans, editor of Calibre Defence, published on March 27, 2026. 

AeroVironment (AV), the US producer of the Switchblade loitering munitions, has launched Locust X3, a C-UAS laser. Announced on March 24, the new portable system builds on the company’s prior experience in this field. 

Early iterations were fielded under the US Army’s AMP-HEL (Multi-Purpose High Energy Laser) and PHEL (Palletized High Energy Laser) programmes. In September 2025, AV delivered the first mobile prototypes integrated onto Infantry Squad Vehicles (ISV) and Joint Light Tactical Vehicles (JLTV).

The company states that its Locust systems have engaged more than 1,000 drones across 66 events. This includes operational exercises, live fire events, and tests. Now, Locust X3 builds upon the experience gained in those previous programmes and is designed to be easier to manufacture. 

How do lasers defeat drones?

The Locust X3 is designed to tackle Group 1-3 unmanned aircraft systems and unmanned surface vehicles, the press release states. This broadly means very small drones, through to quite large ones like the Orlan-10. AeroVironment does not state the range of the Locust X3, but larger drones tend to operate at higher altitudes. A drone at 5,000 metres would need more power than a smaller one that is much closer to the laser. 

This means that the power of the system is key. Locust X3 is said to have a scalable 20–35+ kilowatt laser. For comparison, the UK’s DragonFire laser is thought to have a 50kW output, while the EOS system can reach 100 kW. 

But what does that mean? Well, for a laser to melt an object, it must deliver a specific Power Density (measured in Watts/cm2) that exceeds the target material’s ability to dissipate heat. So, the closer the object is, the more focused the laser beam will be and the more concentrated the energy. A 50 kW laser at very close range would melt steel quite quickly, but the further it must go to reach a target, the more time it will need. 

That is presumably why there is so much emphasis placed on the tracking capabilities of laser systems, they must be able to keep the beam on the target. AV states that the Locust X3 includes its AI-enabled targeting system the AV_Halo™ PINPOINT. 

Calibre comment: Iran’s Black Hawk strike

On the day that AeroVironment released Locust X3, an Iranian proxy successfully flew a first person view drone into the US Victory Base Complex near Baghdad. The strike destroyed a radar and Black Hawk helicopter. The incident served to reinforce those calling for better C-UAS defences and seemingly emphasised the lack of action taken in that regard. However, a more charitable view of the incident is in order. 

As recently touched upon in an article linked below, drone detection is hard. It is often the detection that fails, leaving too little time for counter-measures. Furthermore, US bases throughout the Middle East have been subjected to drone attacks for years. Very few ever succeed, indicating that their defences are effective. So, it is important to emphasise the sensors as much as the shooters when it comes to effective drone defence. Multiple layers working in different parts of the electromagnetic spectrum are essential. 

And, finally, it is important to bear in mind that no defence is perfect. A determined adversary will find a way through sooner or later. Even Ukraine and Israel, which probably have some of the best air defences in the world, take blows from time-to-time. This means it is also important to ensure that bases and troops are prepared to continue operating after a strike. 

Calibre Defence has written extensively on C-UAS capabilities, here are a select few articles that might prove useful: 

• DroneShield and OpenWorks collaborate on drone detection – Calibre Defence 
• Three observations from Iran’s drone strike on RAF Akrotiri – Calibre Defence
• Iron Beam 450: Israel completes development of laser air defence 
• NATO member orders high-energy laser for drone defence 
• Metis releases Skyperion Lightweight drone detector – Calibre Defence 

The lead image shows concept renderings of the Locust X3 C-UAS laser and a JLTV. Credit: AeroVironment.