EOS making moves internationally - Defence Technology Review (Issue 125)

Australia’s dominant remote weapon system (RWS) and defensive systems provider has closed out 2025 and began 2026 with a bang, signing off on a score of international agreements and export orders over recent weeks. 

In the last three months, Electro Optic Systems (EOS) has signed no less than three teaming agreements with international defence partners, acquired counter-drone technology rights, opened a new overseas facility and secured two export orders.

A long-time RWS supplier to the Australian Army and proven exporter of RWS and high-energy laser (HEL) weapons to foreign defence forces, EOS is experiencing a surge in business activity, innovation and market penetration internationally.

The most recent teaming agreement, a collaboration with KNDS France, will pursue development of a counter-drone weapon system that couples the latter’s International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR)-free 30M781 automatic cannon with EOS expertise in RWS. Highly regarded for its accuracy, the 30M781 cannon fires 30x113mm ammunition and is the same weapon equipping Australia’s Tiger armed reconnaissance helicopters.       

"By combining EOS, best-in-class counter-drone systems with state-of-the-art medium calibre weapons and vehicles from KNDS, this partnership will provide modern and ITAR-free evolutive solutions for armed forces, in a constantly changing environment," said EOS chief executive officer, Andreas Schwer on 16 February.

Under the agreement, the companies will collaborate to identify business opportunities in new markets and customer segments of mutual interest in the Middle East, North Africa, Asia-Pacific and Europe, as well as to develop and execute joint marketing initiatives. The co-operation also enables the potential co-development of new products, including the integration of ITAR-free advanced weapon systems, technologies and integrated solutions aligned with the companies’ respective areas of expertise.

EOS will also bring its counter-drone RWS and HEL capabilities to a new agreement with major Turkish defence prime Roketsan. Announced at World Defense Show on 10 February, the agreement establishes a framework for EOS and Roketsan to collaborate in responding to customer requirements as they arise, presumably in the Middle East, North Africa and Asia-Pacific regions.

Recent export orders include that for supply of RWS by EOS USA to General Dynamics Land Systems (GDLS) for integration onto a US combat vehicle. The multi-year agreement with GDLS includes RWS hardware, development, spare parts and training. The initial award is for approximately US$22 million (AUD$31 million), with work to occur over the next 2-3 years and future production efforts expected to extend past 2030.

In December 2025, EOS announced that it had signed a conditional contract with a South Korean customer with a total value of US$80 million (AUD$113 million). If the conditions of the contract are satisfied, the agreement would involve the supply of a 100kW HEL weapon, the establishment of a joint venture between EOS and the customer to develop and supply the Korean market with 100kW HEL weapons and the licencing of related intellectual property.

Article by Ian Bostock from Defence Technology Review (Issue 125)