BlueHalo’s Locust directed energy weapon took down aerial drones during a live-fire demonstration on U.S. Navy aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush, it has been revealed.
During the recently announced test, which was conducted towards the end of 2025 in the Atlantic Ocean, the Locust Laser Weapon System (LWS) “effectively detected, tracked, engaged, and neutralized” multiple uncrewed aerial systems (UAS), as per a U.S. Navy press statement.
The test was carried out in collaboration with the U.S. Army Rapid Capabilities and Critical Technologies Office (RCCTO).
The Counter-Uncrewed Aerial Systems (C-UAS) platform was developed by defence start-up BlueHalo, founded in 2019 and acquired by AeroVironment (AV) in a $4bn deal finalised in May last year.
The pallet-mounted version of the DEW can either run off its own rechargeable battery supply or from a ship’s power source. The self-contained portable system includes a high-energy laser and beam-control system, plus associated power, thermal, and safety systems.
It is controlled via a network-based, single operator interface with Xbox gaming controls and is ready to fire within 15 minutes of switch-on.
The AV press statement about the naval test noted: “During the live-fire event, the Palletized High Energy Laser (P-HEL) system tracked, engaged, and neutralized multiple target drones — marking a major milestone toward fielding operational directed energy capabilities across all domains and platforms.
“This achievement validates that the Locust LWS is truly platform-agnostic, seamlessly transitioning… to the dynamic and demanding environment of a manoeuvring aircraft carrier.”
Vice President of Directed Energy Systems at AV John Garrity added: “Rolling LOCUST onto a ship and quickly initiating operations facilitates the expanded use of high-energy lasers across the Fleet without the need for costly, time-consuming ship modifications. This is a game-changer for the Navy and for our national security.”
Locust was originally developed for land-based applications, and had previously been mounted on fixed-site assets and land-based mobile platforms including the Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV) developed for the U.S Army by Oshkosh Defense, and GM Defense’s Infantry Squad Vehicle (ISV).
- You can read more details on the AeroVironment website