# Army Awards $464.8M LOCUST Contract

The U.S. Army awarded AeroVironment a **$464.8 million** contract to produce modular LOCUST X3 counter-drone laser systems. The truck-transferable systems are expected to enter operation by early 2028, and the Army’s focus on reliability, maintainability, and repairability points to potential follow-on needs in vehicle integration, power systems, and sustainment. No new solicitation or procurement contact is identified. AeroVironment also received an initial international LOCUST order worth more than $50 million in September 2026, indicating additional demand beyond the Army award.

- The Army award is the primary near-term procurement development; suppliers with capabilities in vehicle integration, power systems, maintenance, and repair may find opportunities supporting fielding and sustainment.
- Contractors should note the early 2028 operational target when planning capacity and potential supporting work; the signal does not identify a related solicitation or submission deadline.
- The separate international order suggests broader interest in LOCUST systems, but does not establish a specific U.S. subcontracting opportunity.

**Jurisdictions:** federal
**Industries:** Defense & Military
**Published:** October 22, 2026

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

### Vendors
- AeroVironment (awardee)
- nLIGHT ()

### Sources
- [US Army awards $464.8 million contract for modular LOCUST X3 counter-drone lasers | Межа](https://mezha.net/eng/news/mezha-28e8bd683f04a54be826dd9a_us_army_awards) - Mezha.net