E-HEL LOCUST X3 power, thermal-management, and vehicle-integration production subcontract

AeroVironment selected U.S.-based Leonardo DRS to provide power management, environmental control, and rugged vehicle-integration expertise for the U.S. Army's Enduring-High Energy Laser production program. The subcontract supports production of AeroVironment's 30-kilowatt LOCUST X3 counter-UAS laser system; Leonardo DRS did not disclose the subcontract value or delivery quantity.

Leonardo DRS announced the completed supplier selection on November 2, 2026. Its work supports the Army's existing E-HEL production program rather than constituting a new Army prime award: AeroVironment received that underlying award in September. Leonardo DRS will contribute power management, environmental control, systems engineering, and vehicle-integration expertise for a mobile directed-energy capability intended for platforms including the Joint Light Tactical Vehicle and palletized configurations.

Headline metrics

Laser class	30 kW	LOCUST X3 rating stated by Leonardo DRS
Subcontract value	Not disclosed

Highlights

Production rolePower management, environmental control, rugged integration, and vehicle-integration support for the Army E-HEL program
Platform fitLOCUST X3 is designed for integration on vehicles including the Joint Light Tactical Vehicle and in palletized configurations

Resources

Leonardo DRS announcementleonardodrs.gcs-web.com