Defence technology firm AeroVironment (AV) has reported the successful demonstration of its palletised laser weapon system (LWS) aboard the US Navy Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George H. W. Bush.
The company said the test firing of the LWS was conducted in October 2025 in collaboration with the US Navy and the US Army Rapid Capabilities and Critical Technologies Office.
During the live-fire event, the palletised high energy laser system tracked, engaged, and neutralised multiple target drones. AV said this demonstration validated that the LWS is platform-agnostic, seamlessly transitioning from fixed-site and land-based mobile platforms to seagoing platforms.
John Garrity, Vice President of Directed Energy Systems at AV, said the LWS, "delivers effective, all-domain protection against emerging drone threats at the speed of light."
The LWS features roll-on, roll-off capabilities and can recharge its battery bank or fully run off a ship’s power, thus reducing the system's logistical footprint and integration complexity.
AV said that the system's open interfaces and a common laser weapon system architecture can fulfil the requirements of multiple US service branches, ensuring cross-service commonality.