Leonardo DRS lands role on the Army’s first high-energy laser production deal
The LOCUST X3 features a scalable laser, a modular beam director, and advanced AI-enabled detection, tracking, and engagement automation, according to AeroVironment. Aerovironment
By
Nick Wakeman
The subcontract under AeroVironment’s $464.8 million Other Transaction Authority program puts DRS in charge of power and environmental control for dozens of LOCUST X3 counter-UAS lasers.
Leonardo DRS will be part of a $464.8 million contract the Army awarded to AeroVironment as the branch's first program for the production of a high-energy laser weapon system.
AeroVironment won the Other Transaction Authority contract in September as part of the Army’s Enduring High Energy Laser program, known as E-HEL.
Leonardo DRS’ role will focused on the power management and environmental control of the system, which is designed to counter unmanned aircraft systems.
The value of Leonardo DRS’s subcontract was not disclosed and company officials did not respond to a request for comment.
Leonardo DRS will support the production of AeroVironment’s LOCUST X3 laser weapons systems. These 30-kilowatt units can be integrated across a range of military platforms, including the Army’s Joint Light Tactical Vehicle.
“The Army’s move to production reflects the growing importance of scalable, fieldable directed-energy capabilities in countering evolving UAS threats,” said John Baylouny, president and CEO of Leonardo DRS.
The Army Portfolio Acquisition Executive for Fires program office awarded the OTA to AeroVironment in September to transition the E-HEL program from prototype to production.
“The transition of directed energy from experimentation to an enduring, fielded capability reflects years of collaboration, innovation, and operational success alongside the U.S. Army,” AeroVironment's chairman, president and CEO Wahid Nawabi said in a release.
AeroVironment plans to deliver a dozen LOCUST X3 laser weapon systems over the life of the OTA.