The US Navy is firing a $5-per-shot laser from the deck of an aircraft carrier for the first time in history and is shooting down 100% of target drones.

Written by Douglas Avila

Published on 11/05/2026 at 19:04

Updated on 11/05/2026 at 19:05

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On October 5, 2025, the United States Navy positioned a containerized aircraft carrier anti-drone laser system on the deck of the USS George H.W. Bush (CVN-77), in the Atlantic, and fired at multiple drones in sequence.

According to Naval News, the test was only revealed on April 21, 2026, and shot down all targets. This marks the first time a direct energy weapon has been mounted and fired from the deck of an American aircraft carrier.

The system used, called LOCUST, is manufactured by AeroVironment, which acquired BlueHalo for US$4.1 billion in 2025 to consolidate the technology. Each shot costs between US$1 and US$5 in electricity, compared to US$2.1 million for an SM-2 interceptor missile.

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The test figures, released by the US Navy and the manufacturer, tell the story in five points:

100% success rate in neutralizing target drones
20 to 26 kW operational beam power
US$1 to US$5 cost per shot (electricity)
Roll-on, roll-off: the system entered and exited the ship without any structural modification
5 American bases already confirmed to receive LOCUST in 2026

LOCUST Container on the deck of the USS George H.W. Bush during test on October 5, 2025 — The containerized LOCUST system positioned on the deck of the USS George H.W. Bush during the historic test on October 5, 2025. Photo: AeroVironment / US Navy.

The aircraft carrier anti-drone laser in action on the USS Bush’s deck

According to AeroVironment, LOCUST arrived on the aircraft carrier in a single standard container. It was then secured to the deck with common platform straps and connected directly to the ship’s electrical grid.

The

The US Navy is firing a $5-per-shot laser from the deck of an aircraft carrier for the first time in history and is shooting down 100% of target drones.

The aircraft carrier anti-drone laser in action on the USS Bush’s deck

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The aircraft carrier anti-drone laser in action on the USS Bush’s deck

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