AeroVironment Launches LOCUST X3 Laser Weapon System
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: Mar 24 2026
0mins
Should l Buy AVAV?
AeroVironment announced the release of LOCUST X3, the third generation of AV's high-energy laser weapon system that delivers precise, speed-of-light engagement for rapid defeat of unmanned aerial threats. "In today's rapidly evolving battlespace, adversaries are deploying mass drone attacks and saturation tactics that threaten mission success and warfighter survivability," said Wahid Nawabi, Chairman, President, and Chief Executive Officer at AV. "With LOCUST X3, we deliver an affordable, scalable solution to outpace and neutralize large-scale aerial threats, safeguard critical infrastructure, and maintain decisive advantage wherever the fight demands."
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Analyst Views on AVAV
Wall Street analysts forecast AVAV stock price to rise
13 Analyst Rating
13 Buy
0 Hold
0 Sell
Strong Buy
Current: 176.970
Low
315.00
Averages
390.75
High
450.00
Current: 176.970
Low
315.00
Averages
390.75
High
450.00
About AVAV
AeroVironment, Inc. is a defense technology provider delivering integrated capabilities across air, land, sea, space, and cyber. The Company develops and deploys autonomous systems, precision strike systems, counter-UAS technologies, space-based platforms, directed energy systems, and cyber and electronic warfare capabilities. The Company’s segments include Autonomous Systems (AxS) and Space, Cyber, and Directed Energy (SCDE). The AxS segment focuses on the design, development, production, delivery, and support of intelligent, multi-domain robotic systems, including uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS) and ground robot systems. It includes the Company’s former Uncrewed Systems, Loitering Munitions Systems, and MacCready Works segments as well as Radio Frequency and Kinetic Counter-UAS Electronic Warfare Systems and others. The SCDE segment focuses on advanced technologies in the space domain providing space-based and ground-based platforms, cyber capabilities, and directed energy systems.
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
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- Technical Support: The contract encompasses the delivery of unmanned aerial systems, battery chargers, ground control stations, launchers, and training materials, showcasing the company's technological prowess and market demand in the unmanned systems sector.
- Optimistic Market Outlook: BTIG analysts reiterated a Buy rating on AeroVironment with a price target of $330, reflecting confidence in the company's future growth potential, particularly in the Autonomous Systems segment.
- Strategic Development: AeroVironment's management is optimistic about scaling its one-way platform to levels comparable to the Switchblade UAV by the end of the decade, indicating proactive positioning in technological innovation and market competition.
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- Significant Contract Value: AeroVironment has secured a $117 million contract with the US Army to deliver P550 long-range reconnaissance UAVs, further solidifying its position among defense contractors.
- Technical Support: The contract encompasses the delivery of unmanned aerial systems, battery chargers, ground control stations, launchers, and training materials, showcasing the company's technological prowess and market demand in the unmanned systems sector.
- Optimistic Market Outlook: BTIG analysts reiterated a Buy rating on AeroVironment with a price target of $330, reflecting confidence in the company's future growth potential, particularly in the Autonomous Systems segment.
- Strategic Development: AeroVironment's management is optimistic about scaling its one-way platform to levels comparable to the Switchblade UAV by the end of the decade, indicating proactive positioning in technological innovation and market competition.
See More
European Defense Tech Startups Accelerate Engagement with Middle East Governments
- Surge in Commercial Discussions: Since the onset of the Iran war, European defense tech startups have significantly ramped up commercial discussions with Middle Eastern countries, particularly Gulf states, which are experiencing skyrocketing demand for drone and missile interception technologies, potentially leading to order volumes in the thousands of missiles.
- Expedited Delivery Plans: CEO of Frankenburg Technologies noted that commercial conversations with Gulf states have accelerated, with ongoing discussions about procuring their technology and plans to meet demand under an 'expedited delivery schedule', highlighting the urgent market need for defense technologies.
- Emerging Market Opportunities: Uforce's CEO indicated that interest from Gulf states in their defense technologies has 'skyrocketed' since the Iran war began, with plans to establish a permanent team in the Middle East to address the growing demand, reflecting the region's thirst for advanced defense solutions.
- Funding and Investment Surge: According to Dealroom, European defense tech startups raised $1.8 billion in 2025, nearly three times the previous highest annual figure, indicating that rising global geopolitical tensions are driving a surge in investment in defense technologies.
See More
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- Funding Milestone: Saronic has successfully raised $1.75 billion, more than doubling its valuation from $4 billion to $9.25 billion, indicating strong market demand for its autonomous vessel technology amid U.S. military modernization efforts.
- Production Expansion: The company aims to build over 20 ships annually by 2027, scaling its supply chain and establishing the new Port Alpha shipyard in Texas to meet increasing military demands and enhance U.S. naval defense capabilities.
- Intensifying Market Competition: Saronic's autonomous vessel designs are intended to mitigate military risks and assist the U.S. in regaining dominance over China, reflecting a rapid shift towards unmanned systems in modern warfare environments.
- Historic Production Goals: Mavrookas stated that the company is on track to quintuple production at its main shipyard in Franklin, Louisiana, over the next 12 months, marking production levels not seen in the U.S. since World War II and further driving innovation in defense technology.
See More
Ukraine Promotes Drone Defense Technology for Export Amid Rising Global Demand
- Defense Technology Export: President Zelenskiy is promoting Ukraine's drone defense technology across Gulf nations, emphasizing a comprehensive operational approach that includes technology, training, and strategy to address rising aerial attack threats.
- Cooperation Agreements Signed: Ukraine has signed preliminary cooperation agreements with Saudi Arabia and Qatar, with ongoing discussions with the UAE, indicating strong interest from the Gulf region that could yield billions in annual export revenue for Ukraine.
- Innovation Driven: Ukraine's development of low-cost interceptor drones, designed to neutralize threats before impact, stems from years of defending against large-scale drone attacks from Russia, showcasing its technological edge in drone defense.
- Market Opportunities and Challenges: Despite accelerating global demand, Ukraine's defense exports face risks from government approval delays, which could result in missed critical market opportunities, particularly in the complex deployment and operational training of these systems.
See More
2026 Economic Outlook and Uber Developments
- GDP Growth Slowdown: The GDP growth rate for Q1 2026 is only 0.7%, significantly lower than the previous estimate of 1.4%, indicating a sluggish economic recovery that may dampen investor confidence and negatively impact stock market performance.
- Rising Inflation Pressure: With inflation exceeding 3% in January, combined with slowing GDP growth, concerns about stagflation may arise, leading to reduced consumer spending and threatening corporate profitability.
- Surge in Oil Prices: West Texas Intermediate crude oil prices have surged from $57 on January 2 to $93, even exceeding $100 at times, increasing consumer energy expenditure pressure and potentially suppressing spending in other areas.
- Uber's Autonomous Driving Partnerships: Uber has recently formed partnerships with several companies, including Waymo and Lucid, indicating its proactive positioning in the autonomous driving sector, which may lay the groundwork for future market share growth.
See More
2026 Economic Outlook and Oil Price Fluctuations
- GDP Growth Slowdown: The GDP growth rate for Q1 2026 is only 0.7%, significantly lower than the previous estimate of 1.4%, indicating economic stagnation that may heighten investor concerns about future economic prospects.
- High Inflation Pressure: With inflation exceeding 3% in January, combined with low growth, market fears of stagflation are rising, which could negatively impact consumer spending and business investment decisions, further dragging down economic recovery.
- Surging Oil Prices Impact: As of the recording date, West Texas Intermediate crude oil prices have reached $93 per barrel, a significant increase from $57 on January 2, which may force consumers to cut back on other expenditures due to rising energy costs, affecting overall economic activity.
- Geopolitical Risks: The rise in oil prices is primarily driven by geopolitical conflicts rather than demand growth, particularly due to uncertainties surrounding Iran, which could lead to a more pessimistic economic outlook, necessitating close monitoring of related developments.
See More
