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AV Unveils LOCUST® X3: Third-Generation Modular Directed Energy Weapon System
Modular AI-Powered Precision. Speed-of-Light Engagement. Production Ready. ARLINGTON, Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- AeroVironment, Inc. (“AV”) (NASDAQ: AVAV), a
About this update from Aerovironment, Inc.
[{"type":"text","content":"\nModular AI-Powered Precision. Speed-of-Light Engagement. Production Ready.\n\n\n ARLINGTON, Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--\nAeroVironment, Inc. (“AV”) (NASDAQ: AVAV), a global defense technology leader, today announced the release of LOCUST® X3, the third generation of AV’s high-energy laser weapon system that delivers precise, speed-of-light engagement for rapid defeat of unmanned aerial threats.\n\nThis press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260324247554/en/AV’s LOCUST® X3 high-energy laser system, shown mounted on a tactical vehicle, delivers mobile, scalable, and cost-effective counter-drone defense with precision speed-of-light engagement. (Photo Credit: AV)\nLOCUST X3 builds on lessons learned from widely deployed systems to set a new standard in modular, AI-enabled drone defense—delivering unprecedented precision, scalability, and operational flexibility to defeat current and emerging aerial threats, including Group 1-3 unmanned aircraft systems and unmanned surface vehicles.\n\n\nRecently featured by CBS News’ 60 Minutes, the LOCUST X3 offers cost-effective engagements below $5 per shot and sustained defense without the reload limitations of traditional defense systems, LOCUST X3 offers a transformative solution for modern air defense.\n\n\n“In today’s rapidly evolving battlespace, adversaries are deploying mass drone attacks and saturation tactics that threaten mission success and warfighter survivability,” said Wahid Nawabi, Chairman, President, and Chief Executive Officer at AV. “With LOCUST X3, we deliver an affordable, scalable solution to outpace and neutralize large-scale aerial threats, safeguard critical infrastructure, and maintain decisive advantage wherever the fight demands.”\n\n\nThe new LOCUST X3 features a scalable 20–35+ kilowatt laser, a modular beam director, and advanced AI-enabled detection, tracking, and engagement automation powered by AV_Halo™ PINPOINT, part of the company's hardware-agnostic software platform for layered counter-Unmanned Aircraft System (C-UAS) defense.\n\n\nAligned with Department of War’s mandated Modular Open Systems Approach (MOSA) principles, LOCUST X3 enables rapid upgrades and seamless integration across both fixed and mobile defense platforms. LOCUST X3 builds on the proven legacy of the LOCUST platform, which has...