US Army prepares AeroVironment's E-HEL laser system to take down drones from vehicles

TechnologyInternationalDefensa.comOct 23, 2026, 3:57 AM40 s readAI summary

The U.S. Army is working on upgrades to AeroVironment's E-HEL (Enduring-High Energy Laser) system, based on the 30-kilowatt LOCUST X3 laser, to counter drones from moving vehicles. In September the company received the program's first production contract, worth $464.8 million, and the Army expects to decide in fiscal year 2031 whether to produce a new version installable on infantry platoon vehicles. The system, which according to the source costs less than $5 per shot, incorporates AI algorithms in its management.

In 40 seconds

The US Army is evaluating upgrades to AeroVironment's E-HEL before deciding whether to acquire a new version in 4 or 5 years.
The production contract, signed on September 2, is worth $464.8 million for the 30 kW system.
The LOCUST X3 laser incorporates AI algorithms and, according to the source, neutralizes drones at a cost of less than $5 per shot.

Read the full story at Defensa.com

IASummary generated by artificial intelligence from a story by Defensa.com. It may contain errors: the original source prevails.

defensa
láser
drones
AeroVironment
US Army

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US Army prepares AeroVironment's E-HEL laser system to take down drones from vehicles

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