Bloomberg: Pentagon signs first contract for anti-drone laser systems

The US armed forces have signed their first contract with American technology company AeroVironment to supply Locust anti-drone laser systems worth $400 million.

According to Bloomberg, cited by Report, the Pentagon is actively seeking affordable and effective ways to counter unmanned aerial vehicles, which are increasingly being used in modern armed conflicts. Despite a friendly-fire incident during Locust tests along the US-Mexico border, the US military plans to purchase dozens of the systems.

In January, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth approved the transfer of the classified Locust laser system to US Customs and Border Protection for use at Fort Bliss in El Paso, Texas.

In February, The Wall Street Journal reported that border patrol agents had used the laser system to shoot down several balloons after mistaking them for drones used by drug traffickers. Following the incident, the airspace over El Paso and much of southern New Mexico was closed.