Story perspectives

Army Accepts Two 20kW LOCUST Laser Systems for August 2026

8/30/2026

Summary

Story summary

The U.S. Army received two 20 kW LOCUST laser systems mounted on GM Defense Infantry Squad Vehicles.
Government acceptance testing at Yuma Proving Ground, Arizona validated the lasers’ performance and safety.
Army units completed laser-operation training at Fort Sill, Oklahoma.
The AMP-HEL system will become operational against uncontrolled targets in August 2026.
July 2026 contracts for the Joint Laser Weapon System total $86 million, with an $847 million ceiling.

History

Historical Context

In August 2014 the Navy installed the Laser Weapon System on USS Ponce and deployed it to the Persian Gulf, where by December the commander was cleared to fire the directed-energy weapon. Rated 15–50 kW, the LaWS disabled small boats, creating the first operational ship-mounted laser. In 2026 the Army announced it will acquire two 20 kW LOCUST lasers for Infantry Squad Vehicles, extending directed-energy to ground forces.

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Story summary

The U.S. Army received two 20 kW LOCUST laser systems mounted on GM Defense Infantry Squad Vehicles.
Government acceptance testing at Yuma Proving Ground, Arizona validated the lasers’ performance and safety.
Army units completed laser-operation training at Fort Sill, Oklahoma.
The AMP-HEL system will become operational against uncontrolled targets in August 2026.
July 2026 contracts for the Joint Laser Weapon System total $86 million, with an $847 million ceiling.

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