The U.S. military reportedly used the Locus X3 system to shoot down three drones near the U.S.-Mexico border during the night of August 25 to 26 in the Rio Grande Valley of Texas. The operation was conducted by the Joint Task Force-South Border (JTF-SB), which operates under the North American Command. The Locus X3 is a third-generation directed-energy laser weapon, also known as a solid-state laser, that uses artificial intelligence to detect, classify, and prioritize targets. It was developed by the American company AeroVironment and is designed to intercept aerial threats like drones. The U.S. Army has invested $465 million in this system. The Locus X3 is a highly advanced weapon introduced in March 2026 and became prominent in September 2026 after securing a major contract with the U.S. Army worth nearly $500 million. It is nicknamed the "Group 3 Killer" and is specifically designed to target small to medium-sized drones (up to 600 kg) and maritime surface drones. The system uses an adjustable and scalable solid-state laser with a power range of 20 to more than 35 kilowatts. It features an expanded output aperture compared to earlier versions, allowing for a longer operational range and better energy concentration. The system is equipped with precise Electro-Optical / Infrared (EO/IR) tracking sensors, which can visually acquire targets both day and night. It is designed with an open modular architecture, allowing it to be installed on tactical land vehicles, fixed or semi-fixed configurations, and even warships. The Locus X3 does not require physical ammunition, as long as it has a power supply, its "charger" is effectively infinite, with each shot costing less than $5. It is largely built using commercially available parts to facilitate mass production and reduce costs. The system uses AeroVironment's proprietary fire control and command (C2) software, which is hardware-agnostic. The software employs artificial intelligence algorithms to autonomously detect, classify, and prioritize targets. The V-Halo precision fire control system ensures real-time multi-target locking and tracking, calculating the optimal impact point and maintaining a focused beam for 5 to 7 seconds on a moving target to damage its components. The system's operator interface is designed to be user-friendly, resembling a video game controller, allowing for easy supervision or manual control by a human operator. The use of artificial intelligence and robotics in warfare is becoming a reality on modern battlefields. In Gaza, the Israeli military has developed advanced AI systems that have significantly increased the speed and efficiency of targeting human combatants and infrastructure. These systems include "Lavender," which cross-references surveillance data to identify targets, and "Gospel," which generates strike recommendations at a pace unachievable by human analysts. In Ukraine, drones are now being used with full autonomy in the final phase of their flight to counter electronic warfare and signal jamming. Meanwhile, the proliferation of low-cost attack drones has led to the development of automated air defenses, such as the P1 Sunjet Killer drone, which uses AI to track and intercept enemy drones. Autonomous land robots are also playing a growing role in combat, with some systems capable of capturing positions without human infantry.