Aqaba; October 2026: AeroVironment is showcasing its advanced defence technologies at SOFEX 2026, highlighting its capabilities in directed-energy weapons, autonomous unmanned systems and next-generation battlefield solutions. With armed forces increasingly confronting evolving drone threats and complex operational environments, the company is focusing on technologies designed to strengthen force protection, enhance situational awareness and support multidomain military operations.
Among the key systems featured are the LOCUST X3 high energy laser weapon, developed to counter unmanned aerial threats, and the P550 electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) unmanned aircraft system, designed for long-range reconnaissance and multi-role missions. Together, these technologies reflect AeroVironment's emphasis on adaptable, scalable and mission-ready solutions for modern defence requirements.
LOCUST X3: Advancing High-Energy Laser Defence –
The LOCUST X3 is a third-generation high-energy laser system with scalable power output ranging from 20 to more than 35 kilowatts, depending on configuration. The version selected for the E-HEL programme uses a 30-kilowatt laser. Compared with earlier LOCUST generations, primarily equipped with 20-kilowatt lasers, the X3 features increased power and a larger beam, intended to improve energy concentration at greater engagement distances. These modifications aim to extend its capabilities beyond small reconnaissance drones, particularly against Group 3 unmanned aircraft, which include attack drones comparable to the Iranian designed Shahed family.
The weapon concentrates its beam on a specific area of the target to progressively damage structural components, propulsion systems or other elements essential for sustained flight. The modular architecture of LOCUST X3 allows installation on a variety of tactical military vehicles or deployment in fixed and palletised configurations. The first U.S. Army version will be integrated onto the Joint Light
Tactical Vehicle (JLTV).
The LOCUST family already has experience in operational environments, including deployments along the southern U.S. border. During a demonstration conducted in the beginning of this month (October 2026), a directed-energy prototype reportedly completed eight successful engagements against drones. Army engineers are also focusing on field-level maintenance, allowing soldiers to replace
individual components and keep the systems operational during extended missions.
LOCUST X3 is intended to provide mobile short-range defence against reconnaissance drones, loitering munitions and attacks involving multiple unmanned aircraft. Mounted on tactical vehicles, it could accompany manoeuvre units and protect command posts, logistics convoys, ammunition depots and
forward operating bases. Its main advantage lies in the ability to engage successive targets without consuming costly interceptor missiles.
AeroVironment estimates an engagement cost of less than five dollars, a figure that excludes overall acquisition and support expenses. Atmospheric conditions, line-of-sight requirements, available electrical power and the time needed to concentrate energy on a target remain determining factors in laser engagements. The system is therefore intended to complement electronic warfare equipment, anti-aircraft guns and missiles within a layered air defence architecture.
P550: Expanding Autonomous Reconnaissance Capabilities –
AeroVironment has been awarded a $117.3 million contract by the U.S. Army for its P550 electric
vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) unmanned aerial system in support of the Army's Long Range
Reconnaissance programme. The award advances the Army's efforts to field scalable and adaptable
capabilities for modern warfare. The contract was issued under a Basic Ordering Agreement (BOA) through a competitive programme under the U.S. Army's Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Marketplace initiative.
Under the award, AeroVironment will provide 82 P550 uncrewed aircraft systems in support of the Army's Battalion Reconnaissance (UAS) effort. The procurement represents the initial full-rate acquisition of the P550 system and reflects the Army's commitment to rapidly fielding proven commercial capabilities that enhance long-range reconnaissance, autonomy and distributed operations.
The award further reinforces AeroVironment's role in delivering scalable, mission-ready intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) solutions aligned with the Army's modernisation priorities.
An autonomous Group 2 eVTOL UAS, the P550 is designed to support U.S. armed forces and allied operators through its modular open systems approach (MOSA). This architecture enables the integration of third-party payloads, datalinks and mission-planning software, allowing the system to adapt to evolving operational requirements.
With a multi-sensor payload capacity of up to 15 pounds, including enhanced lethality options, and up to five hours of all-battery endurance, the P550 delivers sustained, mission tailored performance across intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, precision strike, electronic warfare and communications relay missions in air, ground and maritime operations. The system can be reconfigured in the field in less than 05 minutes, enabling operators to hot-swap payloads and batteries without tools. This flexibility allows military units to rapidly adjust the aircraft's capabilities according to changing mission requirements.
“What operators consistently tell us is that they need systems that can adapt at the speed of the mission, not hours or days later”, said Trace Stevenson, President of Autonomous Systems at AeroVironment, while further adding that: “AV's P550 delivers that advantage, enabling units to reconfigure in minutes. It reduces the burden on operators while expanding what a single platform can achieve”.
Purpose-built for dynamic and contested environments, the P550 enhances situational awareness and force protection through integrated targeting and precision strike capabilities. Its AI-driven autonomy enables smarter and safer operations while reducing operator workload during complex missions.
Designed for manoeuvre forces, the P550 offers a multi-role capability that can be reconfigured within minutes, enabling military operators to respond effectively to changing battlefield conditions.
Team Maverick.
