• AeroVironment reported results from safety demonstrations at White Sands Missile Range evaluating whether counter-drone laser systems can operate in mixed civilian airspace.
• The company said the demonstrations involved the Army’s Multipurpose High Energy Laser system and coordination with the FAA and Joint Interagency Task Force 401.
• Aaron Westman said these systems use automated interlocks and software checks that can block firing if any safety condition is not met.
• The company said command-and-control integration can use radar and aircraft transponder data to prevent engagements near protected aircraft or restricted airspace.
• Westman said beam focusing causes intensity to drop significantly a few hundred meters beyond the focus point.

Disclaimer: This news brief was created by Public Technologies (PUBT) using generative artificial intelligence. While PUBT strives to provide accurate and timely information, this AI-generated content is for informational purposes only and should not be interpreted as financial, investment, or legal advice. AeroVironment Inc. published the original content used to generate this news brief on March 23, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained therein.