Directed Energy

AeroVironment reported a $405 million international order for LOCUST X3 counter-drone laser systems, including an in-country sustainment depot, while the Navy awarded up to $293 million in ship maintenance and modernization work. Additional signals include an Air Force Research Laboratory evaluation contract, an AFRICOM casualty-evacuation demonstration planned for early FY2027, and Navy confirmation hearings on November 17 and 19.

Allen Control Systems is developing high-energy laser capabilities for counter-drone missions, adding a potential competitor to the directed-energy market. The launch is an early market signal—not a solicitation or award—and ACS has not disclosed a design, customer, funding, or schedule.

The U.S. Army awarded AeroVironment a reported $464.8 million OTA in September 2026 to move its Enduring-High Energy Laser program into production, with Leonardo DRS providing integration and power and thermal-management support. The reported plan for 12 systems signals demand for specialized mobile directed-energy components, but no direct Army solicitation or subcontract value has been disclosed.

The Army’s October 27 NSTXL Request for Solutions seeks concepts to reduce the size, weight, and power of a 30-kW-class high-energy laser for the Infantry Squad Vehicle-Utility, informing an acquisition decision targeted for FY2031. The roundup also reports $41.6 million in Navy awards to AEVEX for mine-countermeasure unmanned surface vessels and a nearly $500 million Army modification to Boeing for Apache engineering and technical support.

Blue Laser Fusion closed a $34 million private placement alongside a business combination and reverse merger, funding pulsed-laser prototypes, directed-energy field testing, fusion technology, and Goleta manufacturing. The financing is company news—not an open procurement—and the company disclosed no contract values, solicitation details, or future bid timetable for its reported U.S. Department of Energy and Japan Fusion Moonshot program work.

The U.S. Army awarded AeroVironment $464.8 million for production of more than 26 modular LOCUST X3 high-energy laser counter-drone systems under the E-HEL program. First delivery is expected by Q4 FY2027, with operational deployment targeted from December 2027 through spring 2028, creating near-term subcontracting opportunities across integration, power, cooling, sensors, training, and sustainment.

AeroVironment is enhancing its capabilities in autonomous systems and defense technologies. This development positions the company as a significant player for government contracts focused on modernizing defense and addressing contemporary threats.

The U.S. Army has awarded a $464.8 million contract to AeroVironment for the Enduring-High Energy Laser system. This production contract underscores the Army's commitment to integrating advanced directed energy technologies into its operational capabilities, particularly for counter drone missions.

The U.S. Army has awarded AeroVironment a landmark $464.8 million multiyear contract for its Enduring-High Energy Laser (E-HEL) program. This significant contract marks the first production of directed energy weapons in U.S. history, emphasizing the military's shift towards scalable, low-cost defense against unmanned aerial systems.

The Joint Interagency Task Force 401 (JIATF-401) is hosting a significant directed energy shoot-off in December 2026 to assess commercial laser and microwave technologies aimed at enhancing counter-drone defenses. This initiative presents a timely procurement opportunity for industry innovators and signals a growing federal investment in directed energy systems.

The U.S. Marine Corps has awarded Epirus an $11 million contract for the High-power Microwave Autonomous Vehicle Operational Capability (HAVOC) system. This contract emphasizes the military's shift towards advanced drone defense technologies, highlighting opportunities for companies involved in directed energy and autonomous systems.

The U.S. Army plans to award a contract valued in the hundreds of millions to AeroVironment for the Enduring High Energy Laser (E-HEL) program. This initiative marks a significant pivot towards directed energy weapons, enhancing air defense capabilities against emerging drone threats.

The U.S. Coast Guard is requesting information on high-energy laser systems for maritime defense applications to counter unmanned threats. Contractors specializing in directed energy technologies have a timely opportunity to contribute, with significant implications for procurement in the defense sector.

The Department of Defense has awarded up to **$847 million** to Lockheed Martin and nLIGHT for the Joint Laser Weapon System. This program aims to rapidly develop high-energy laser weapons that counter emerging threats, indicating a strong shift towards directed energy solutions in U.S. missile defense.

The German Federal Ministry of Defence is set to approve €12 billion in military contracts, including a €462 million deal with Rheinmetall AG for laser weapon systems. This initiative represents a strategic pivot towards advanced naval defense technologies, enhancing Germany's military modernization efforts and providing significant opportunities for defense contractors.