STANDARD MILITARY UNVERIFIED

US Navy Deploys LOCUST Laser Counter-Drone System on USS George H.W. Bush

Apr 20, 2026 06:41 PM CT Persian Gulf US Navy, counter-drone, laser weapon, USS George H.W. Bush, defense deployment

Summary

The US Navy successfully tested the AeroVironment LOCUST laser counter-drone system aboard the USS George H.W. Bush, marking the first deployment of a laser weapon on a carrier. This development enhances US naval capabilities to counter drone threats from Iranian-backed proxies like the Houthis and Hezbollah in the region. The deployment signals a shift towards directed energy solutions for fleet defense against asymmetric aerial attacks.

Full Content

The U.S. Navy has disclosed the test of an AeroVironment LOCUST laser counter-drone system , which has been in the news recently , aboard the Nimitz class aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush . As far as TWZ is aware, this looks to be the first time a laser weapon has been fitted to a carrier. E...

Sources (1)

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Actor Responses

United States NEUTRAL

Tested and deployed the LOCUST laser system on a supercarrier to counter drone threats.

Related Events (2)

← PARALLEL TO 75% confidence

STANDARD US Centcom intercepts Iran-linked vessel Touska in Arabian Sea

"Event 5 details the deployment of advanced counter-drone systems by the US Navy in the Persian Gulf. The new event, involving the interception of a vessel in the Arabian Sea, is a parallel military action indicating a broader, simultaneous intensification of US naval readiness and pressure in the region."

← PARALLEL TO 75% confidence

STANDARD Iraqi proxy Saraya Awliya al-Dam signals readiness to resume attacks as ceasefire expires

"The deployment of US counter-drone systems (Event 6) and the militia's readiness to resume attacks (New Event) represent parallel escalatory moves by opposing sides in the same theater, indicating a mutual preparation for renewed hostilities."