LOCUST Laser Manufacturer to Expand New Mexico Operations

AeroVironment plans $30 million investment to boost production of anti-drone weapons systems

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

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U.S. anti-drone laser weapons manufacturer AeroVironment, Inc. announced plans to invest more than $30 million to expand operations in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The company supplies the U.S. Army with mobile 20-kilowatt LOCUST Laser Weapon Systems for countering drone threats and has also developed AI products for government and industry to counter drones and for other uses. The expansion is expected to create a manufacturing campus that will generate over $670 million in economic income and more than 450 high-wage jobs over the next 10 years.

Why it matters

The expansion marks a significant investment in Albuquerque's role as a hub for defense innovation and manufacturing, further strengthening New Mexico's position in the U.S. defense industrial base. It also highlights the growing demand for advanced counter-drone technologies as the military and government agencies work to address evolving security threats.

The details

AeroVironment received $5 million from the state of New Mexico and $1 million from the city of Albuquerque through an economic development grant to help with the expansion at three existing manufacturing sites in the Sandia Science and Technology Park. The company's LOCUST Laser Weapon Systems are used on infantry squad vehicles and joint light tactical vehicles and are designed for high-precision, rapid tracking of drone threats.

  • On March 3, 2026, AeroVironment announced the expansion plans.
  • The expansion is expected to be completed over the next 10 years.

The players

AeroVironment, Inc.

A U.S. anti-drone laser weapons manufacturer that supplies the U.S. Army with mobile 20-kilowatt LOCUST Laser Weapon Systems for countering drone threats.

Pete Hegseth

U.S. Secretary of War who spoke during a press conference on U.S. military action in Iran at the Pentagon.

Wahid Nawabi

Chairman, president, and CEO of AeroVironment.

Mary Clum

President of AV's Space, Cyber & Directed Energy segment.

Tim Keller

Mayor of Albuquerque.

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What they’re saying

“The growth we're driving in Albuquerque goes beyond our own business. It's about strengthening the domestic defense industrial base, creating high-quality American jobs, and partnering with New Mexico to continue to develop a durable innovation and manufacturing hub that can deliver when it matters most.”

— Wahid Nawabi, Chairman, president, and CEO of AeroVironment

“This move marks a step change in our ability to deliver mission-critical capabilities at scale. Albuquerque is a strategic production and integration hub for space-grade components and directed energy systems that directly support U.S. national security priorities.”

— Mary Clum, President of AV's Space, Cyber & Directed Energy segment

“Albuquerque is where defense innovation becomes advanced manufacturing.”

— Tim Keller, Mayor of Albuquerque

What’s next

The expansion is expected to be completed over the next 10 years, generating over $670 million in economic income and creating more than 450 high-wage jobs.

The takeaway

This investment by AeroVironment solidifies Albuquerque's position as a hub for defense innovation and manufacturing, further strengthening New Mexico's role in the U.S. defense industrial base. The expansion highlights the growing demand for advanced counter-drone technologies and the importance of domestic production of critical defense systems.