eurasiareview.comOCT 182 min read$AVAV

U.S. Builds Momentum Shooting Down Drones Along Southern Border

U.S. forces downed 400 drones along the Mexico border by August 2026, with 100 disabled in August using high-energy lasers. The Army's AMP-HEL laser system, deployed in August, disabled 11 cartel-linked drones in 10 days. A $465 million contract was awarded to AeroVironment for the E-Hel, the first directed-energy system in U.S. military history, designed to shoot down drones using onboard power.

Original reporting

eurasiareview.com

Published Oct 18, 2026, 10:42 PM UTC

Analysis

AlphAI AI DeskAI-generated

Added to AlphAI Oct 19, 2026, 1:18 AM UTC. Informational, not investment advice.

How this was made

AlphAI summarizes source reporting and applies a structured AI analysis for relevance, timing, sentiment and ticker impact. Always verify material claims with the original publisher.

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U.S. Builds Momentum Shooting Down Drones Along Southern Border — source image — Source · eurasiareview.com

Decision brief

The 30-second read

$AVAVBullishMed

Why it matters

The $465 M contract to AeroVironment for the E‑Hel system represents the first directed‑energy weapon in U.S. military history, signaling a shift toward laser‑based defense.

Market read

A major defense contract could lift AeroVironment's stock and underscores growing defense spending on laser technology.

What to watch

Potential budgetary scrutiny or competing suppliers could affect future orders.

Relevance 7/10Novelty 8/10Timing: recently disclosed

Background

The U.S. Army is deploying high‑energy laser systems (AMP‑HEL) to counter drone threats along the southern border.

Company-level read

Ticker impact

AI estimates · verify against primary disclosures

$AVAVBullishHigh confidence

Context

AeroVironment received a $465 million contract to produce the E‑Hel directed‑energy system for U.S. border defense.

Expected impact

likely upside as market prices in the contract win

Evidence & confidence

Large $465 M award to a U.S. listed defense contractor is a material, fresh development that can lift earnings outlook.

Market effects

Sector

Strengthens outlook for defense and directed‑energy technology sector.

Regional

May boost U.S. defense contractors' valuations.

Global

Highlights growing U.S. investment in border security technologies.

Counterpoint

What could challenge this read

If the system faces integration delays, the contract value may not translate to near‑term earnings.

Key entities

Company
AeroVironment
U.S. defense contractor awarded the contract.
Government
U.S. Army / Joint Task Force‑Southern Border
Recipient of the laser system for border security.

Read at source ← All news

OCT 17

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Army Bets $464,800,000 On Drone-Killing Lasers That Cost Under $10 A Shot

The U.S. Army awarded AeroVironment a $464.8 million contract for its LOCUST X3 laser system, capable of countering drones at under $10 per shot. The first unit is expected by early 2028. The laser is powered by electricity and can be fielded on existing vehicles, reducing logistical needs. AeroVironment is scaling up production to meet demand.

dailycaller.com2 min

OCT 16

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Defense Watch: RTX C-UAS Award, MQ-25 Software Test, PrSM Inc. 4, Taiwan V-BAT, Autonomous Black Hawk

RTX's Raytheon received a $729M contract for C-UAS systems. Boeing tested MQ-25 software, enabling autonomous coordination. The Navy awarded MQ-25A production contracts and tested automatic landing gear retraction. AeroVironment's VideoRay demonstrated autonomous mine countermeasures. Lockheed Martin delivered a C-130J for TACAMO conversion, with Northrop Grumman integrating systems. ThinKom provided SATCOM antennas for the E-130J Phoenix II. XTEND, Orqa, and Swarm received DoD drone awards.

defensedaily.com3 min

OCT 16

$AVAVHighAI 9/10

AeroVironment’s LOCUST X3 Wins Army’s First Laser Weapon Contract; Sled Beats Fixed Mount

AeroVironment's LOCUST X3, a 30-kilowatt laser weapon, won a $464.8M U.S. Army contract under the Enduring-High Energy Laser (E-HEL) program. The system is designed for modularity, allowing it to be mounted on various vehicles, and is intended to counter drone threats cost-effectively. The Army chose 30 kilowatts over 50 kilowatts to improve reliability and reduce power demands, according to officials.

techtimes.com2 min

OCT 14

$LMTMed

Lasers, Microwaves and the Race to Solve the Drone Cost Problem

Adm. Daryl Caudle, the Navy's top officer, advocates for directed energy weapons to counter cheap drones, citing cost imbalances. The Navy is investing in laser systems, with Lockheed Martin's HELIOS and other projects in development. The Pentagon awarded $86M to nLIGHT Defense and Lockheed Martin for laser weapon systems, aiming for 150-500 kilowatts of power. The Army has also used laser systems to neutralize drones, marking real-world applications.

insideunmannedsystems.com3 min

OCT 14

$AVAVMed

Can Lasers Beat Drone Swarms? The Pentagon Is About To Find Out

The Pentagon selected four directed-energy systems, including AeroVironment's (AVAV) and Boeing's (BA) lasers, for testing at five U.S. military bases starting in 2026. The systems will be evaluated for a year to assess their effectiveness against drone threats. The Pentagon has allocated billions for counter-drone defenses, with directed-energy weapons costing significantly less per engagement than traditional interceptors.

zerohedge.com3 min

OCT 13

$AVAVHighAI 8/10

US Army targets 2028 for first high-energy laser counter-drone weapons

The U.S. Army aims to deploy its first high-energy laser counter-drone weapon by early 2028, with testing and training ongoing. AeroVironment received a $464.8M contract for the LOCUST X3 system, expected to be delivered by Q4 2027. The Army demonstrated successful kills using a prototype in October, highlighting the system's modularity and potential for field-level maintenance.

defensenews.com2 min