The U.S. Navy has revealed that it recently evaluated the AeroVironment-built LOCUST laser-based counter-UAS system aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush. This marks the first known instance of a directed-energy weapon being installed on a U.S. super-carrier. The Navy has released few images of the system installed aboard the carrier. Although the photos were captured on October 5, 2025, they have only now been made public. The timing is important. Earlier in the year, Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Daryl Caudle emphasized a strategic shift toward directed-energy solutions, stating that such systems are intended to become the preferred option for warship crews dealing with short-range aerial threats. In this video, Defense Updates analyzes why LOCUST Laser Weapon System on USS George H.W. Bush is prelude of things to come ? #defenseupdates #USSGeorgeHWBush #usnavy

Source: Why LOCUST Laser Weapon System on USS George H.W. Bush is prelude of things to come ?