EOS takes flight as anti-drone demand sends revenue soaring

Ausbiz, the close: Interview with Dr Andreas Schwer

Electro Optic Systems (ASX: EOS) is scaling rapidly, with first-half revenue surging 280% to almost $169 million and EBITDA turning positive at more than $22 million. CEO and Managing Director Dr. Andreas Schwer says the result reflects accelerating demand across its defence business, led by major sales of its Slinger anti-drone system into the Middle East.

The company’s order book has also hit a record $850 million, almost four times the level of two years ago, with Schaefer expecting further growth before year-end. Europe and the Middle East are expected to drive the biggest expansion, with the company also assessing its future operational footprint. The $40 million accounting hit associated with the May acquisition of MARS weighed on the bottom line, but strategically the deal is designed to transform EOS into a fully integrated anti-drone systems provider.

Schwer says the combined technology can detect, identify, track and automatically match threats with the appropriate countermeasure, including during large-scale drone swarms. With production capacity available across Australia, the US and soon the Middle East, EOS says scaling is more about procurement and people than major new infrastructure. The company has lifted its FY26 revenue guidance to $360-$400 million and says it remains highly optimistic about sustained growth.