AeroVironment Secures $464.8 Million Army Deal for Laser Weaponry

Chief Executive Wahid Nawabi described the award as a defining shift for modern defense, highlighting the transition of directed energy from laboratory research to a functional, fielded capability. The company plans to support the production of these systems through a $30 million expansion of its manufacturing facility in Albuquerque, New Mexico, an investment finalized earlier this year.

This procurement reflects an aggressive push to address the growing threat of autonomous drones on the battlefield. By integrating laser technology into its standard inventory, the Army aims to secure a more cost-effective alternative to traditional kinetic interceptors, which often carry a significantly higher price tag per engagement.