US Army moves away from dedicated laser vehicles — modular LOCUST X3 laser turns standard army trucks into speed-of-light counter-drone rigs for $5 a shot

The US Army is moving away from dedicated laser vehicles, opting instead for a modular LOCUST X3 laser that can transform ordinary military trucks into high-speed counter-drone systems. Each engagement with the laser is estimated to cost between $5 and $10, though the company has not specified the exact cost. The detachable laser mounts allow the weapon to be easily transferred between vehicles, reducing the impact of maintenance and repairs on the overall effectiveness of the system.

The Army's Directed Energy Project Office's Chief Engineer, Kirk Williams, stated that the systems must be maintainable and repairable for battlefield use. AeroVironment, the company behind the LOCUST X3, won the initial manufacturing award in September 2026 and lists the laser's output between 20 and 35 kilowatts, depending on the mission.

The laser can engage one drone at a time and has a firing time ranging between 80 to 120 seconds, depending on the battery power. The Army expects first X3 units to be operational by early 2028, with a separate containerized laser aiming for 150 kilowatts. AeroVironment has reported a $464.8 million contract for the LOCUST X3, along with its initial international order of over $50 million.

However, independent verification of the military's claims remains limited due to the lack of released engagement data.