On February 11, 2026, the U.S. Army deployed AeroVironment’s LOCUST laser counter‑drone system in the airspace surrounding El Paso International Airport. The LOCUST platform, which delivers a 20‑kilowatt‑class laser, is designed to neutralize drone swarms and represents the first large‑scale operational use of the technology in a civilian‑airspace environment.
The deployment triggered a temporary shutdown of the airport’s airspace that lasted 7 hours 24 minutes. The FAA’s Notice to Airmen cited a cartel drone incursion and concerns about the potential risk to commercial traffic from the laser system as the reasons for the closure, underscoring the dual threat of illicit drones and the operational impact of counter‑drone technology.
LOCUST has been fielded outside the United States for more than three years before this event. AeroVironment delivered its first two LOCUST systems to the Army in September 2024 under a high‑energy laser prototyping program, with additional JLTV‑mounted systems delivered in late 2025. The El Paso deployment marks the first time the system has been used in a high‑profile, civilian‑airspace setting, validating its real‑world combat effectiveness.
AeroVironment’s Q2 fiscal‑year 2026 earnings, released on December 9, 2025, showed record revenue but an earnings‑per‑share miss of $0.44 versus the consensus estimate of $0.87. The company’s stock closed down 7.54 % on February 11, reflecting investor focus on the earnings miss and valuation concerns rather than the operational milestone. Analysts at KeyCorp maintained an overweight rating with a $330.00 price target, while TipRanks reported a strong‑buy consensus with an average target of $390.75, indicating that the market’s reaction was driven more by financial performance than by the deployment itself.
The deployment strengthens AeroVironment’s position in the growing counter‑UAS market and may pave the way for additional contracts. CEO Wahid Nawabi emphasized the company’s integrated capabilities, stating, “We have built a portfolio of integrated capabilities and advanced technologies to meet the market’s accelerating demand and serve as a partner of choice in critical moments.” The BlueHalo acquisition has further bolstered the company’s counter‑UAS portfolio, adding products such as Titan and Freedom Eagle 1 and positioning AeroVironment to capture a larger share of the directed‑energy market.
The event demonstrates that AeroVironment’s directed‑energy solutions are not only proven in testing but are actively fielded by the U.S. Army, signaling a significant milestone for the company and a potential catalyst for future growth in the counter‑UAS sector.
The content on EveryTicker is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial or investment advice. We are not financial advisors. Consult with a qualified professional before making any investment decisions. Any actions you take based on information from this site are solely at your own risk.