Program and Agenda

DEPS arranged guided tours of the AV facility, where the LOCUST Laser Weapon System (LWS) is manufactured and tested. This visit offered attendees a firsthand look at the end-to-end lifecycle of a directed energy system - including component integration, system assembly, and validation processes. Participants were able to observe key stages of production and testing, gaining insight into performance verification and operational readiness considerations unique to high-energy laser systems. Designed to complement the technical sessions, the tour provided practical exposure to how advanced LWS capabilities are developed, refined, and prepared for deployment.

The hands-on training simulation focused on the operation and tactical employment of AV's LOCUST Laser Weapon Systems (LWS). Participants were immersed in realistic engagement scenarios that replicate contemporary operational environments, including counter-unmanned aerial systems (C-UAS), sensor capabilities, and dynamic threat response. Attendees interacted with a high-fidelity simulation framework designed to model beam control, tracking, and neutralizing targets. The training emphasized decision-making under operational stress, system safety protocols, and coordination across multi-domain platforms. Participants gained practical insight into LWS performance trade-offs, rules of engagement, and mission planning considerations. By bridging theoretical concepts with experiential learning, this session aimed to enhance operator readiness and inform best practices for the deployment and sustainment of directed energy capabilities in modern defense contexts.