"The Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George HW Bush shot down multiple drones with a high-energy laser weapon stationed on its flight deck during a first-of-its-kind live-fire test in October 2025, the Navy recently revealed."
"The laser weapon tracked, engaged, and neutralized multiple target drones, including drone swarms from the deck of the Bush, marking a major milestone toward fielding operational directed energy capabilities across all domains and platforms."
"Beyond the containerized P-HEL, which has been protecting U.S. service members from low-cost weaponized drones overseas for years, the Army currently possesses at least four LOCUST systems integrated onto M1301 Infantry Squad Vehicles and Joint Light Tactical Vehicles."
The USS George HW Bush conducted a successful live-fire test of a high-energy laser weapon, shooting down multiple drones. This test utilized a 20 kilowatt Palletized High Energy Laser (P-HEL) system, based on the LOCUST Laser Weapon System. The laser engaged and neutralized 17 drones, including swarms, demonstrating operational directed energy capabilities. The Army has integrated LOCUST systems into various vehicles, and the Marine Corps is also pursuing similar technology. Discussions have been ongoing about testing the LOCUST on submarines as well.
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