US Army Aims for 2028 Deployment of High-Energy Laser System to Counter Drones

The U.S. Army is targeting early 2028 as the potential deployment date for its first high-energy laser (HEL) system designed specifically to counter unmanned aerial systems (UAS), according to recent statements made at the Association of the U.S. Army’s annual meeting in Washington. The Enduring-High Energy Laser (E-HEL) program, which has selected AeroVironment's LOCUST X3 as its first directed energy weapon, aims to have the system ready for operational use by that time.

Kirk Williams, chief engineer at the U.S. Army Directed Energy Project Office, emphasized the urgency of deploying these systems due to the evolving threat landscape. "We are seeing everything we produce as a capable counter-UAS system get deployed somewhere," he noted, highlighting the rapid pace at which such technologies are being integrated into operational environments.

AeroVironment was awarded a $464.8 million contract in September for the LOCUST X3 system, marking a significant milestone in the development of this modular, high-energy laser platform. The first unit is scheduled to be delivered by Q4 of fiscal year 2027 and will initially be mounted on the Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV). Brigadier General Guy Yelverton, capability program executive for Defensive Fires, expressed enthusiasm about accelerating the deployment timeline, aiming for a delivery in December or January 2028.

The modular design of LOCUST X3 is intended to enhance reliability and ease of maintenance. Soldiers will be able to perform field-level repairs, improving overall system sustainability without necessitating full unit replacements. This flexibility allows for continuous improvements over time, ensuring the technology remains effective against evolving threats.

During a demonstration at Army Modernization Day in October, the Army successfully achieved eight consecutive kills using a prototype directed energy platform, showcasing the potential of these systems in combat scenarios. The LOCUST X3 system can be integrated onto various vehicles including the JLTV and Infantry Squad Vehicle (ISV), providing versatile deployment options across different operational environments.

Deputy commanding officer for support at the 7th Infantry Division, Colonel Charles Kean, stressed that while directed energy weapons are a critical component in defending against high-echelon air threats, they should not be seen as a panacea. "The more capabilities we put in the hands of soldiers, and the easier they are to maintain, the better," he said.

Secretary of the Army Adam Telle also highlighted the importance of accelerating the development and deployment of such technologies during an earlier speech at AUSA. He emphasized the need for low-cost interceptors capable of countering both missiles and drones, underscoring the broader strategic imperative to stay ahead of emerging threats.

The push towards rapid deployment of high-energy laser systems reflects a growing recognition within the U.S. military that traditional kinetic weapons may be insufficient against the proliferation of small, agile unmanned aircraft. As adversaries continue to develop more sophisticated drone technologies, the Army's focus on directed energy weapons represents a critical step in enhancing its defensive capabilities and maintaining operational superiority.