The US Army used a laser weapon on American soil, then bought it

In late August, the U.S. Army employed a 20-kilowatt Multi-Purpose High Energy Laser to destroy three drones over the Rio Grande Valley. A week later, it awarded AeroVironment a $464.8 million Other Transaction Agreement for dozens of 30-kilowatt Enduring-High Energy Laser “LOCUST X3” units, which can be mounted on Joint Light Tactical Vehicles or palletized for counter-drone missions against group 1-3 UAVs, with AeroVironment supplying AI targeting, support, and training.