AeroVironment, Inc. announced the launch of its LOCUST X3 directed‑energy weapon system on March 24 2026. The new platform represents the third generation of the company’s high‑energy laser family and is designed to counter the growing threat of unmanned aerial systems.
LOCUST X3 delivers a scalable 20‑35+ kilowatt laser, AI‑enabled detection, tracking, and engagement automation powered by AV_Halo™ PINPOINT software. The system is modular and can be integrated into existing defense assets, offering cost‑effective engagements estimated at under $5 per shot and a speed‑of‑light response that enables rapid neutralization of mass drone attacks.
The product launch follows AeroVironment’s Q3 2026 earnings, released on March 10 2026, in which the company reported revenue of $408.0 million and an earnings per share of $0.64, missing analyst expectations. Management cited strong demand for drone and counter‑drone solutions but noted that funding delays and headwinds in the Space segment offset the upside.
Segment revenue data from the quarter show that the Autonomous Systems division generated $278.7 million, while the Space, Cyber and Directed Energy segment contributed $129.3 million. The mix shift toward autonomous systems helped offset the decline in the Space business, but the overall revenue miss reflects the timing of revenue recognition and the impact of the recent BlueHalo acquisition integration.
CEO Wahid Nawabi said, 'In today's rapidly evolving battlespace, adversaries are deploying mass drone attacks and saturation tactics that threaten mission success and warfighter survivability. With LOCUST X3, we deliver an affordable, scalable solution to outpace and neutralize large‑scale aerial threats, safeguard critical infrastructure, and maintain decisive advantage wherever the fight demands.' He added that the company’s strong order flow and backlog growth position it for record fourth‑quarter revenue and a solid start to fiscal year 2027.
Shares of AeroVironment fell more than 3.5% on the day of the announcement, a decline that mirrored a broader market downturn and the impact of the recent earnings miss. Analysts noted that while the LOCUST X3 launch signals a strategic investment in directed‑energy capabilities, investors remained cautious due to the company's recent financial performance and competitive pressures in the defense technology sector.
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