US Army awards $465 million contract for LOCUST X3 anti-drone laser controlled by Xbox controller

The US Army has awarded a $465 million contract to AeroVironment for the production of the LOCUST X3, a 30-kilowatt high-energy laser weapon system designed to neutralize mid-sized 'Group 3' drones. These unmanned aerial vehicles, which can weigh up to 1,350 pounds, have become a significant threat in modern conflicts, including those in Ukraine and the Middle East. A notable feature of the LOCUST X3 is its user interface: operators control the targeting system using an Xbox controller. AeroVironment executives noted that this design choice leverages the familiarity young military personnel have with video game hardware, making the system intuitive to operate. As a portable and cost-effective alternative to traditional interceptor missiles, the LOCUST X3 represents the first high-energy laser weapon to receive a full production contract in US history, marking a major shift toward directed-energy defense capabilities.