Leonardo DRS Selected by AV for U.S. Army’s Enduring-High Energy Laser Production Program
Key Highlights
- ➤AeroVironment selects Leonardo DRS for U.S. Army E-HEL production support
- ➤DRS will provide power management and environmental-control integration expertise
- ➤Army awarded AeroVironment its first production contract for a high-energy laser weapon system
- ➤AeroVironment’s 30-kilowatt LOCUST X3 targets mobile counter-UAS operations
- ➤DRS supports production of LOCUST X3 systems for Army E-HEL program
Expert Statements
John Baylouny, President and chief executive officer of Leonardo DRS
“The Army’s move to production reflects the growing importance of scalable, fieldable directed-energy capabilities in countering evolving UAS threats”
John Baylouny, President and chief executive officer of Leonardo DRS
“DRS is proud to partner with AV and bring its integration expertise to its E-HEL production effort.”
Aaron Hankins, Vice president and general manager, Leonardo DRS Land Systems
“Evolving drone threats demand systems that deliver reliable performance in demanding operational environments.”
Aaron Hankins, Vice president and general manager, Leonardo DRS Land Systems
“Our team is applying experience in vehicle integration, power and thermal management to help AV deliver a mobile high-energy laser capability for the U.S. Army.”
ARLINGTON, Va., Nov. 02, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Leonardo DRS, Inc. (Nasdaq: DRS) announced today that AeroVironment, Inc. (“AV”) (Nasdaq: AVAV) has selected the company to provide rugged integration expertise for the U.S. Army’s Enduring-High Energy Laser (E-HEL) production program. DRS will apply its expertise in power management, environmental control to enable the mobile high-energy laser system intended to counter unmanned aircraft system (UAS) threats.
In September 2026, the U.S. Army announced its award to AV for the E-HEL program, describing it as the service’s first production contract for a high-energy laser weapon system. The Army said E-HEL is intended to give soldiers a scalable, affordable directed-energy system that strengthens C-UAS operations.
Get started
Create a free account to read the full story.