US Military Awards First-Ever Laser Weapon Production Contract

The Pentagon is finally embracing high-energy laser weapons with a historic directed energy program of record.

AV’s LOCUST X3 laser weapon system. (AV)

The US Army has awarded defense contractor AV a $464.8 million contract for the production of high-energy laser weapons under the Enduring High Energy Laser (E-HEL) program, the service announced — the US military’s first formal directed energy program of record and a major milestone for laser weapons after decade…