Singapore Opening Marks Milestone in EOS High Energy Laser Programme

On 6 February 2026, Electro Optic Systems (EOS) officially opened its new high energy laser weapon facility in Singapore, establishing a regional hub for the manufacturing, integration and testing of 100 kW-class high energy laser capability for regional and international customers. The site marks a significant step in EOS’ global growth strategy and long-term commitment to Singapore’s defence science and technology ecosystem.

The opening ceremony brought together over 100 guests, including dignitaries, defence representatives, Austrade officials, business leaders and investors, and featured a tour of the innovation centre, a controlled demonstration within the test tunnel, and concluded with a traditional dragon dance.

"This site is a very important step forward for us as it expands on our capability to build, integrate, test and sustain systems closer to our customers and partners,” said Dr Andreas Schwer, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of EOS. “It is a blueprint for further facilities we will build as part of our localisation and transfer of technology plans in the countries of our clients."

Designed to support partners and customers in Singapore and across the broader region, the facility provides dedicated space for system integration, development, demonstration and sustainment activity. It expands EOS’ capacity to deliver at scale, strengthens supply chain resilience and enables faster response to regional customer requirements.

Supporting 100 kW-Class International Contracts

The site directly supports EOS’ growing pipeline of international high energy laser contracts. In August 2025, EOS secured the world’s first export order for a 100 kW-class high energy laser weapon system for the Netherlands, marking a significant step in commercialising EOS’ deep expertise in high energy laser weapons. “Today’s opening is a major milestone, not just for the history of EOS, but also in the global defence arena,” Dr Schwer said.

Brigadier General Marc van Ockenburg of the Royal Netherlands Army reflected on the depth of cooperation between the Netherlands Ministry of Defence and EOS.

“The Netherlands Ministry of Defense has enjoyed a long standing and constructive relationship with EOS for almost two decades,” he said. “Over the years, EOS manufactured remote control weapon stations have proven their value and viability in Dutch service.”

He described the laser effector contract as a natural evolution of that partnership. “We firmly believe that high energy lasers will form an indispensable new category of weapon systems with significant operational potential and important logistical advantages,” he said. “We are delighted to be your launching customer.”

The facility is also expected to support production and integration activities associated with EOS’ binding conditional agreement with a customer in the Republic of Korea covering the manufacture and supply of a further 100 kW-class laser system and the establishment of a local partnership for the Korean market. “This contract will be produced out of this facility in Singapore,” Dr Schwer stated.

From Development to Production

The opening marked EOS' move from research and development into production-ready, fieldable systems.

“Building this capability in such a short time has been a formidable undertaking,” Dr Schwer said. “Over the past six months, our Singaporean team, strongly supported by EOS headquarters, has worked tirelessly to bring this facility online.”

As drone threats become more sophisticated and are employed in greater numbers, defence forces are seeking solutions capable of countering complex and saturation threats. EOS’ high energy laser capability, including the Apollo system, is designed to integrate within layered air defence architectures.

“Apollo is a mobile, rapidly deployable system designed to operate from a truck mounted platform,” Dr Schwer said. “It is designed to neutralise group one, two and three unmanned aerial systems.”

Industrial Significance and Regional Partnership

The new facility reinforces EOS’ long-term presence in Singapore, where the company has operated since 2011 supporting in-service capability for the Singapore Armed Forces. The expansion reflects a deliberate investment in regional manufacturing, integration and sustainment capability aligned to growing international demand.

His Excellency Allaster Cox, Australian High Commissioner to Singapore, described the expansion as a strong signal of confidence in Singapore and in long-term industrial cooperation.

“EOS is making a significant investment here to stand up this facility to produce this world leading 100 kW-class counter drone high energy laser weapon system,” he said. “This site is export ready now, and EOS already has an impressive order book.”

He also emphasised the importance of resilience in defence capability. “Capability depends on supply chains that perform under pressure. Resilience comes from trusted partners and real industrial depth.”

Positioned for Growth

EOS expects demand for high energy laser capability to continue expanding as defence forces adapt to evolving operational environments.

“The investment in this facility positions us ahead of rising global demand,” Dr Schwer said. “EOS is confident that those two signed contracts will not be the only ones.”

With signed contracts in Europe and Asia and active engagement with additional customers, the Singapore site stands as a tangible demonstration of EOS’ transition from development to deployed capability.