AeroVironment secured a $464.8 million U.S. Army contract under the Enduring-High Energy Laser initiative, marking the first production contract for directed-energy weapons in U.S. history. The award covers delivery of dozens of 30-kilowatt LOCUST X3 laser systems over multiple years for Group 1 through 3 unmanned aircraft threats. The platform is designed for integration with the Joint Light Tactical Vehicle, while palletized configurations and potential Infantry Squad Vehicle integration are being evaluated. Production expansion is supported by a $30 million investment in AeroVironment's Albuquerque, New Mexico, facility announced in March 2026. AeroVironment shares rose 6% to $153.93 in Thursday morning trading, while Unusual Machines, Red Cat Holdings, Ondas and Kratos also gained as investors extended the counter-drone theme. The REX Drone ETF rose 1%, compared with a 0.3% gain for the SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust, indicating a sector-specific move. The new intraday performance differs from earlier reports of a 4.18% premarket gain to $151.47, an approximately 1% closing gain and a 0.25% extended-hours increase. The program's revenue impact will build over several years, with management saying fiscal 2027 revenue is weighted toward the second half. Further Army and Navy counter-UAS awards will determine whether the broader peer rally is sustained.