Abstract: The present invention provides a system for control and guidance of an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) using modulated laser light in radio frequency (RF) contested environments. The system enables the user to send light signal communications to the UAV from a handheld device. In one embodiment, where the handheld device is capable of being incorporated into a firearm fore-grip with built-in controls that allow for control of the UAV by a user in a shooting/aiming position. The UAV includes an optical array for detecting and receiving the light signal communications, as well as filtering systems for filtering out unnecessary image data for better control in different weather and time conditions, as well as an avoidance system to avoid objects and other UAVs when used in a swarm of UAVs.