US Edition
American Supercarrier Downs Drones with New Laser Weapon
The live-fire test showed the palletized system could detect, track and neutralize multiple drones, marking a milestone for shipboard directed energy.
- On Tuesday, the U.S. Navy and AeroVironment, Inc. conducted a live-fire test of the containerized LOCUST Laser Weapon System aboard the USS George H.W. Bush, successfully detecting, tracking, and neutralizing multiple target drones.
- Designed for "true platform flexibility," the system features roll-on, roll-off capabilities enabling the Fleet to rapidly integrate the laser across maritime platforms without costly, time-consuming ship modifications.
- The USS George H.W. Bush, a Nimitz-class carrier displacing around 102,000 tonnes with more than 3,500 personnel, provided the platform; the system utilizes a network-based interface with automated tracking and engagement functions.
- "LOCUST delivers effective, all-domain protection against emerging drone threats at the speed of light," said John Garrity, Vice President of Directed Energy Systems at AeroVironment.
- The carrier is currently deployed to the Arabian Sea, where the technology addition comes as Iran continues using inexpensive drones to target U.S. assets in the region.
13 Articles
13 Articles
U.S. Navy conducted a fire test of the LOCUST system on board USS George H.W. Bush
This is the first time a laser weapon has been installed on an aircraft carrier, according to The War Zone.
The U.S. Navy has taken a significant step forward in the integration of direct energy weapons on large surface units...
Financial Post
Business WireAV Successfully Demonstrates LOCUST Laser Weapon System Aboard USS George H.W. Bush
ARLINGTON, Va. -- AeroVironment, Inc. (“AV”) (NASDAQ: AVAV) today announced the successful demonstration of its palletized LOCUST® Laser Weapon System (LWS) aboard the USS George H.W. Bush (CVN-77) in October 2025 in collaboration with the U.S. Navy and the U.S. Army Rapid Capabilities and Critical Technologies Office (RCCTO).
American supercarrier downs drones with new laser weapon
The U.S. Navy has conducted live-fire testing of a containerised laser weapon system aboard the aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush, according to released imagery. The system, known as the LOCUST Laser Weapon System, was installed on the carrier’s flight deck and used to detect, track and engage multiple unmanned aerial vehicles during testing. According to the U.S. Navy, the trials demonstrated the system’s ability to counter drone threats us…
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