U.S. Navy Conducts Successful Laser Weapon Test on USS George H.W. Bush
The U.S. Navy executed a live-fire test of AeroVironment's LOCUST Laser Weapon System on October 5, 2025. This event marks a significant step toward integrating directed energy systems on aircraft carriers, addressing the growing drone threat in modern warfare.
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On October 5, 2025, the U.S. Navy tested AeroVironment's LOCUST Laser Weapon System aboard the USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77) in the Atlantic Ocean.
The system successfully detected, tracked, engaged, and neutralized multiple unmanned aerial vehicles. LOCUST operates at a power rating in the 20-kilowatt range, suitable for countering smaller drones while also demonstrating capabilities at 26 kilowatts.
The containerized system allows for rapid deployment across various ship classes without structural modifications, enhancing operational flexibility. The test coincided with the Sea-Air-Space 2026 exposition, emphasizing the Navy's commitment to directed energy solutions in response to rising drone threats. The ability to neutralize drones at a low cost per shot could significantly alter engagement strategies, especially against adversaries employing drone swarms.
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