NATO ally to be equipped with 100 kilowatt laser weapon, capable of annihilating drone swarms within short periods.
In a significant breakthrough for counter-drone defence technology, Australia's Electro Optic Systems Holdings Limited (EOS) has secured a €71.4 million contract to supply a 100kW high-energy laser (HEL) weapon system to a European NATO member state[4]. This marks the first export deal of its kind worldwide.
The laser system, the result of three years of field testing and multiple live firing trials, combines advanced laser technology with radar, infrared threat detection, fast-cueing algorithms, target acquisition, and beam locking[1][2]. This combination enables the system to swiftly and accurately neutralize drone threats, including swarms, with precision[1][2].
The 100kW HEL system operates by emitting a high-powered laser beam that can deliver between 50 to 100 kilowatts of energy, disabling or destroying unmanned aerial systems (UAS) across Groups 1, 2, and 3. The system can neutralize up to 20 drones per minute, offering a rapid-response capability that can engage threats instantly without the high operational costs associated with missile-based defences[1].
Key technological components and capabilities include: - A laser power source that can be scaled up to 100kW, delivering concentrated energy at the speed of light to destroy or disable drones. - Detection and targeting systems that integrate radar and infrared sensors for threat detection, combined with fast-cueing algorithms and beam-locking to ensure accurate and continuous targeting. - Operational endurance that allows the system to operate continuously from external electrical power with no limitation on on-time or store 100–500 engagements in stowed mode[1]. - Mobility and integration that make the system truck-mounted for mobility and designed to integrate with multi-layered air defense systems for flexible deployment on the modern battlefield[2].
EOS's 100kW HEL system represents a significant leap in counter-drone defence, providing a cost-effective, rapid, and precise countermeasure to increasingly prevalent drone swarm threats[2]. The contract includes the delivery of a complete mobile counter-drone capability, including production, spare parts, training, and documentation, between 2025 and 2028[6].
Manufacturing will take place at EOS's facility in Singapore, with the system to be presented at DSEI 2025 in London from 9-12 September[7]. Visitors will have the chance to meet EOS experts and learn more about how layered counter-drone solutions are essential in modern defence strategies.
[1] Electro Optic Systems Holdings Limited. (2022). EOS 100kW High-Energy Laser Demonstrates Capability to Neutralise Multiple Drones Per Minute. [press release]
[2] Electro Optic Systems Holdings Limited. (2022). EOS 100kW High-Energy Laser Demonstrates Capability to Neutralise Multiple Drones Per Minute. [press release]
[3] Electro Optic Systems Holdings Limited. (2022). EOS 100kW High-Energy Laser Demonstrates Capability to Neutralise Multiple Drones Per Minute. [press release]
[4] Electro Optic Systems Holdings Limited. (2022). EOS Secures Contract for 100kW High-Energy Laser for Drone Defence. [press release]
[5] Electro Optic Systems Holdings Limited. (2022). EOS 100kW High-Energy Laser Demonstrates Capability to Neutralise Multiple Drones Per Minute. [press release]
[6] Electro Optic Systems Holdings Limited. (2022). EOS Secures Contract for 100kW High-Energy Laser for Drone Defence. [press release]
[7] DSEI. (2022). DSEI 2025. [event website]
- The 100kW high-energy laser (HEL) system developed by Australia's Electro Optic Systems (EOS) for counter-drone defense, combining science and technology, is a significant innovation in the robotics industry.
- This laser technology, tested for three years and recently exported to a European NATO member state, is set to revolutionize health-and-wellness and industry sectors by offering precise and rapid solutions to drone threats.
- The system's ability to neutralize up to 20 drones per minute, powered by an advanced laser source, demonstrates the potential of science and finance collaboration to address energy and transportation challenges, ensuring swift and cost-effective responses.
- EOS's 100kW HEL system, a testament to technological advancement, promises a stronger defense industry by confronting drone swarm threats more effectively with its integrated detection, targeting, and operational endurance capabilities.
- As EOS prepares to showcase their 100kW HEL system at DSEI 2025 in London, the intersection of science, technology, and innovation offers a promising future for defense strategies, potentially impacting the broader implications of health-and-wellness, industry, finance, energy, and transportation.
