Electro Optic Systems (EOS) has demonstrated its Australian made directed energy and kinetic counter-drone capabilities in a field environment. This demonstration is a watershed moment for EOS and for directed energy technology in Australia, evidenced by the presence of potential export customers from Europe, the Middle East, North America, and Southeast Asia.
The testing was the first of its kind in Australia, with EOS successfully engaging moving drones from a moving vehicle with the ‘Slinger’ kinetic weapon system. The testing involved destroying drones with machine guns out to 500 metres and lasers beyond 1000 metres, with a very high level of accuracy. Importantly, these capabilities are being designed and manufactured in Australia, by Australians, using an extensive Australian supply chain.
Executive Vice President of EOS Defence Systems, Matt Jones, said, “I am enormously proud of the achievements of the team at EOS, with testing exceeding expectations on all counter-drone systems. Drones are a threat in military and civilian environments right now. Counter-drone capabilities, like those developed by EOS, are becoming increasingly essential, and will save the lives of our allies, or perhaps our own Defence Force personnel in the future.”
These EOS counter-drone systems are evidence of genuinely sovereign capabilities meeting the needs of government and Defence, including countering contemporary and emerging threats, such as those in Ukraine.
Jones said “EOS’ directed energy capability has significant export potential, adding to Australia’s strategic weight and the reputation of Australian defence industry.”
The directed energy capability also demonstrates EOS’s capabilities in an area of priority for the Defence Advanced Strategic Capability Accelerator (ASCA), and the focus of AUKUS Pillar II on electronic warfare. Initially designed for export, these cutting-edge capabilities have generated interest from potential customers in North America, Europe, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia.
