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Electro Optic Systems (EOS) has officially revealed the identity of its high energy laser weapon, announcing the system will be known as Apollo, drawing the name from the Greek god of the sun.
The Canberra-based defence technology company made headlines in August when it secured the world’s first export contract for a 100 kW-class high energy laser weapon (HELW) with a European NATO member – a milestone both for EOS and the global directed-energy weapons sector.
Scalable to 150 kW, Apollo will make its public debut at the DSEI defence exhibition in London from 9–12 September, where EOS is exhibiting as part of Team Defence Australia.
Drones have become a hallmark of modern battlefields, employed for surveillance, reconnaissance and precision strike missions. Their speed, agility and increasing autonomy make it difficult to counter using conventional air defence systems.
EOS Group CEO Dr Andreas Schwer said international demand for HELWs was growing rapidly as defence forces confront the escalating threat of drone swarms, saying, “EOS has developed its high energy laser weapon to meet the urgent requirement for cost-effective defence against drone swarm attacks.”
Apollo has been developed to address this challenge at the speed of light. Designed to defeat Groups 1–3 drones and disrupt onboard sensors, the system delivers 360-degree coverage, including vertical engagement with scalable power up to 150 kW. When connected to an external power source, it offers unlimited shots, while its internal stores allow for more than 200 engagements when operating independently.
The laser can be deployed as a stand-alone system or integrated into a layered counter-drone network alongside kinetic solutions such as EOS’ Slinger remote weapon system or missile-based air defence. It is built for compatibility with NATO command and control and integrated air defence systems and can be packaged for mobility in either containerised or vehicle-mounted configurations.
Schwer said, “There is strong international interest in HELWs, and it is increasingly clear they will be central to counter-drone operations. That is why EOS has invested for years to bring this capability to maturity. Being ITAR-free and fully controlled by EOS, Apollo is ready for partners to adopt, localise and sustain as their own.”
EOS will showcase Apollo and its broader laser capabilities at DSEI, where media will be able to arrange interviews with Schwer.
