Electro Optic Systems secures $5.7m counterdrone Defence contract

The news: Electro Optic Systems (EOS) has secured a $5.7 million contract from the Australian Department of Defence’s Advanced Strategic Capabilities Accelerator (ASCA) to develop the R400 SLINGER counterdrone system and to keep manufacturing in Australia.

The context: ASCA has now invested $37.4 million to support counterdrone system capabilities in Australia. Other contracts have been awarded to AIM Defence and SYPAQ Systems.

The R400 SLINGER system incorporates a laser-guided rocker and machine gun for countering small and medium sized drones.

What they said: “This investment highlights the strength of Australia’s sovereign defence industry, with EOS Defence Systems delivering an advanced, locally developed capability that will enhance the Australian Defence Force’s ability to counter emerging threats,” Minister for Defence Industry Pat Conroy said.