# Army Awards $464.8M LOCUST X3 Contract

In September 2026, the U.S. Army awarded AeroVironment a **$464.8 million** production contract for more than 26 LOCUST X3 mobile high-energy laser counter-drone systems, intended for integration with Joint Light Tactical Vehicles. The Army expects the first unit in Q4 FY2027 and is targeting initial operational deployment in December 2027 or January 2028, with spring 2028 identified as the latest anticipated timeframe. Deployment locations have not been confirmed.

- The award is already made, so prospective suppliers should pursue potential subcontracting and supply-chain work through AeroVironment rather than treat the program as an open competition.
- The program indicates potential follow-on demand in laser-system production, JLTV integration, sensors, testing, training, and field maintenance.
- Companies positioned to support production ramp-up and mobile-system integration may find relevant opportunities as the Army works toward its deployment target.

**Jurisdictions:** federal
**Industries:** Defense & Military
**Published:** October 14, 2026

### Government Entities
- U.S. Army (U.S. Army)
- U.S. Army Directed Energy Project Office

### Vendors
- AeroVironment (awardee)

### Key Quotes
> We were able to lean forward with a lot of the long-lead procurements early, so we’re ramping up for production. Because drones aren’t getting any slower and our adversaries aren’t getting any lazier with them.
> — John Garrity, vice president of Directed Energy, AeroVironment

> My far-down point would be spring [2028], and if I could get in the December-January timeframe, that would be awesome. That would be a great win for the Army.
> — Brig. Gen. Guy Yelverton, capability program executive for Defensive Fires

### Sources
- [US Army targets 2028 for first high-energy laser counter-drone weapons](https://www.defensenews.com/industry/techwatch/2026/10/13/us-army-targets-2028-for-first-high-energy-laser-counter-drone-weapons) - Defense News
- [U.S. Army Plans Mobile LOCUST X3 Laser Air Defense to Stop Drone Attacks Without Missiles by 2028](https://www.armyrecognition.com/archives/archives-defense-exhibitions/2026-archives-news-defense-exhibitions/ausa-2026-news/u-s-army-plans-mobile-locust-x3-laser-air-defense-to-stop-drone-attacks-without-missiles-by-2028) - Army Recognition