# Army Awards $464.8M E-HEL Contract

In September 2026, the U.S. Army awarded AeroVironment a reported **$464.8 million Other Transaction Authority agreement** to move the Enduring-High Energy Laser (E-HEL) program into production. AeroVironment selected Leonardo DRS as a subcontractor to support its 30-kilowatt LOCUST X3 mobile counter-UAS laser systems with vehicle integration, power management, cooling, and environmental control. One signal reports plans to deliver 12 systems over the OTA’s life; Leonardo DRS’s subcontract value is undisclosed, and the signals identify no open solicitation.

- The award creates supply-chain demand for mobile directed-energy integration, power and thermal management, environmental control, and related components. Suppliers can assess opportunities through AeroVironment’s supply chain; the signals do not describe a direct Army solicitation.
- The production transition provides contractors with relevant capabilities a concrete indicator of Army investment in counter-UAS laser systems. Businesses should align outreach and offerings with the LOCUST X3 production needs described in the award coverage.
- The OTA’s reported 12-system delivery plan may inform supplier capacity planning, but the signals do not provide a delivery schedule or Leonardo DRS subcontract amount.

**Jurisdictions:** federal
**Industries:** Defense & Military
**Published:** November 03, 2026

### Government Entities
- U.S. Army (Army)

### Vendors
- AeroVironment (prime contractor)
- Leonardo DRS (subcontractor)

### Sources
- [Leonardo DRS To Perform E-HEL Vehicle Integration and Power and Thermal Management Work - Defense Daily](https://www.defensedaily.com/leonardo-drs-to-perform-e-hel-vehicle-integration-and-power-and-thermal-management-work/army) - Defense Daily
- [Leonardo DRS tapped to support Army’s high-energy laser program | DefenseScoop](https://defensescoop.com/2026/11/02/army-high-energy-laser-program-leonardo-drs-av) - DefenseScoop
- [Leonardo DRS Selected by AV for U.S. Army’s Enduring-High Energy Laser Production Program

](https://www.manilatimes.net/2026/11/02/tmt-newswire/globenewswire/leonardo-drs-selected-by-av-for-us-armys-enduring-high-energy-laser-production-program/2459599/amp) - The Manila Times