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Australian-owned defence company Electro Optic Systems (EOS) will supply the world’s first export order for a 100-kilowatt class laser defence system to an unknown European NATO country.
EOS recently confirmed the order for a drone defence capability based on a new type of high-power 100 kW laser weapon system on 5 August.
The order, valued at €71.4 million or approximately AU$125 million, reportedly follows extensive and ongoing marketing, sales and customer demonstration activity by EOS.
“The new laser counter-drone capability was developed by EOS to address the urgent market need and emerging strategic requirement to defend against drone swarm attacks at an economical cost,” according to the company.
“It (the order) requires production and delivery of the capability, as well as spare parts, training and documentation. The order will be fulfilled during 2025 to 2028 by EOS in Singapore.
“EOS is already an established global leader in counter-drone capability using kinetic weapons and missiles to bring down drones. The high-power laser builds on these core competencies and substantially extends them.
“The EOS development program included three years of field testing and numerous firing trials of the laser in close collaboration with customers. To ensure high performance, it is supplied with algorithms, radar, threat detection, target acquisition and beam locking systems.”
The Australian-owned defence company has previously been engaged in a new $53 million order for Slinger counter-drone remote weapon systems, placed by a European naval systems integration business and funded by a western European government.
Those systems were reportedly configured for use on naval vessels.
“This contract marks a significant step in the evolution of the world-leading counter-drone remote weapon system,” EOS Group chief executive Dr Andreas Schwer said at the time.
“Slinger has already proven itself in land-based operations and is now extending its role into new operational environments.
“Its first naval deployment highlights both the flexibility of the platform and the growing demand for capability across domains.
“EOS is committed to advancing proven, adaptable technologies that give armed forces the capabilities they need to protect critical assets and respond to emerging threats.”
The systems are intended to address urgent operational requirements in Europe, with delivery expected during this and next year.
