Australian 100 kW laser weapon fends off 20 drones per minute
An Australian 100 kW laser weapon can combat several drones in a short space of time. The manufacturer already has a European NATO country as a customer.
The drone defense system with a laser is mounted on a truck.
(Image: EOS)
The Australian defense company Electro Optic Systems Holdings Limited (EOS) has developed a 100 kW high-energy laser system that should be able to combat entire swarms of drones. The weapon system should be able to fend off 20 drones per minute. An unnamed European NATO member state has now ordered the weapon system with an order volume of 71.4 million euros. This is the world's first export order for a laser defense system in the 100 kW class, according to a statement from EOS.
The high-energy laser system is mounted on a truck and is therefore mobile. It includes air threat detection and automatic target acquisition, which are implemented using AI algorithms. It also has radar and a beam interlock to combat drones more precisely. According to EOS, this makes it possible to engage up to 20 drones within one minute. The cost per shot is around 10 cents. Ballistic-based systems, on the other hand, quickly cost several thousand euros.
EOS is thus addressing the growing threat posed by military attack scenarios involving swarms of drones in modern warfare.
Range of around 3 km
The high-energy laser system had to prove itself in three years of field tests. A series of fire tests were carried out in cooperation with potential customers. This was to ensure that the weapon system could be operated effectively and safely. EOS promises that the laser is also effective against smaller, fast air targets at greater distances. This refers to distances of up to 3 km. The drone defense system should also be able to be integrated into existing NATO structures.
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More precise information on the technical details of the system is expected at the defense trade fair Defence & Security Equipment International (DSEI), which will take place in London from September 9 to 12. The drone defense system is to be presented there.
Meanwhile, the unknown NATO customer will probably have to wait a little longer for the weapon system: it is to be delivered by 2028 at the latest. It will be produced at an EOS plant in Singapore. The delivery also includes spare parts, training, and documentation.
(olb)
