EOS rockets on MARSS deal

Ausbiz, the close: Interview with Dr Andreas Schwer

• EOS (ASX:EOS) completes MARSS acquisition and $150m equity raising
• MARSS counter-drone systems in the Middle East drive order-intake cap lift to €700m
• EOS order backlog around $720m, with 60–80% targeted for conversion by 2026–27 - Schwer targets leadership in both anti-drone warfare and space control systems

Electro Optic Systems (ASX:EOS) completes MARSS acquisition as anti-drone demand surges.

Electro Optic Systems has finalised the acquisition of counter-drone specialist MARSS, a move CEO Dr Andreas Schwer views as transformational for the company’s defence portfolio. Schwer states that the MARSS Needa command-and-control platform is already deployed across more than 60 critical infrastructure sites in the Middle East, where it reportedly counters drones, missiles and rockets with what he describes as “battle-proven” performance. He adds that EOS has completed a $150 million equity raising to help fund the deal.

Schwer claims the acquisition gives EOS a major competitive edge, shifting it from supplying individual effectors, such as laser and cannon-based weapons, to offering fully integrated, AI-enabled turnkey counter‑UAS systems. The MARSS platform is described as open, modular and able to integrate third‑party sensors and effectors, with demand in the Middle East said to be so strong that the order-intake cap on MARSS contracts has been lifted from €500 million to €700 million. EOS’s total order backlog currently stands at about $720 million, with Schwer expecting 60–80% to convert to revenue by 2026–27.

Looking ahead, Schwer flags rapid revenue growth from 2027, driven by short delivery cycles and upfront cash terms on MARSS contracts. He also highlights emerging opportunities in space control, pointing to EOS’s Atlas ground-based anti-satellite weapon family, which he expects to underpin the company’s next phase of strategic growth and further M&A.