U.S. Army Awards $465 Million Contract to AeroVironment for New Anti‑Drone Laser System Using Gaming‑Controller Interface

The U.S. Army disclosed a $465 million acquisition contract awarded to AeroVironment, Inc. for its LOCUST X3 laser platform, a weapon designated as a “Group 3 Killer” intended to defeat high‑risk unmanned aerial systems.

Group 3 Killer systems are aimed at the most dangerous class of drones, usually those able to transport payloads or function within contested airspace. By concentrating on these sophisticated threats, the Army seeks to shield soldiers and vital infrastructure from ever‑more advanced aerial assaults.

The LOCUST X3 pairs a high‑energy laser with a commercial Xbox controller, enabling operators to lock onto and follow targets through a familiar, ergonomic control scheme. This approach is meant to shorten training periods and boost targeting precision during rapid combat situations.

The agreement comes as a wider wave of counter‑UAS programs expands across the services, spurred by the spread of off‑the‑shelf drones and their proven deployment in recent wars. Defense planners have underscored the requirement for portable, scalable tools that can be deployed swiftly to neutralize both hobbyist‑grade and purpose‑built hostile drones.

Although AeroVironment has not revealed a precise rollout timetable, the magnitude of the funding implies the LOCUST X3 will transition from trials to fielded units in the coming years. Experts anticipate the platform will augment current layered defenses, providing a directed‑energy capability that can strike silently and with a small logistical burden, potentially redefining the Army’s approach to aerial threats going forward.