AeroVironment (AV) has been selected by Leonardo DRS to provide rugged integration for the U.S. Army’s Enduring-High Energy Laser (E-HEL) production program. The program is developing a mobile high-energy laser system to counter unmanned aircraft system (UAS) threats. The selection follows the Army’s September 2026 award to AV for the E-HEL program.
Under the subcontract, Leonardo DRS will contribute its expertise in power management and environmental controls to support AV’s production of LOCUST X3 laser weapon systems. The Army has described the effort as its first production contract for a high-energy laser weapon system.