US Navy Fires Laser Weapon From Aircraft Carrier, Destroys Drones in ‘Historic’ Test

Why It Matters

Deploying a ship‑based directed‑energy weapon gives the Navy a cost‑effective, low‑collateral means to counter swarming drones, enhancing maritime security and reducing reliance on kinetic interceptors.

Key Takeaways

• LOCUST laser destroyed multiple drones from USS George H.W. Bush.
• System is platform‑agnostic, moving from land vehicles to carrier decks.
• Roll‑on/roll‑off design enables rapid installation without major ship modifications.
• Power can be drawn from ship or internal batteries for sustained ops.

Pulse Analysis

The rise of inexpensive, autonomous drones has forced navies worldwide to rethink ship‑board defense. Traditional missile‑based interceptors are costly, limited in ammunition, and present collateral‑damage risks in congested maritime environments. Directed‑energy weapons, which engage targets at the speed of light, promise virtually unlimited “shots” and a low‑signature footprint, making them an attractive countermeasure for protecting high‑value assets such as aircraft carriers.

LOCUST, AeroVironment’s palletized high‑energy laser, demonstrates how modularity can bridge the gap between land and sea platforms. Its roll‑on/roll‑off chassis fits onto existing deck spaces without structural changes, while an open‑architecture software stack ensures interoperability across the Army, Marine Corps and Navy. The system can tap the carrier’s power grid or rely on onboard batteries, providing flexibility for sustained engagements during extended deployments. In the October 2025 test, the laser accurately tracked and neutralized several drones despite the ship’s motion, validating its precision under real‑world conditions.

For the Navy, the successful demonstration signals a shift toward layered, multi‑domain protection. By fielding a laser that can be quickly installed on multiple vessels, the fleet gains a scalable defense against swarming attacks without the logistical burden of replenishing missiles. The broader defense industry is likely to see increased investment in compact, ship‑compatible directed‑energy solutions, accelerating the transition from experimental prototypes to operational weapons systems. As adversaries expand their drone capabilities, the LOCUST test underscores the strategic advantage of integrating laser technology across the entire maritime force structure.