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10 Feb 2026
Australian developer of laser weapons technology says it has orders for 100 kW systems from two countries.
EOS (Electro Optic Systems), the Australia-headquartered company with expertise in optical technologies for space and defense deployments, has opened a new facility in Singapore that will produce and test high-energy lasers.
The new site is said to represent a major milestone in the firm’s global growth strategy, and is designed to support partners and customers both in Singapore and across the broader region.
“The facility provides dedicated space for system integration, development, demonstration and sustainment activity,” announced the firm. “It expands EOS’ capacity to deliver at scale, strengthens supply chain resilience, and enables faster response to regional customer requirements.”
With the world’s first high-power laser weapons now operational in Israel’s “Iron Beam” air defense system, the counter-drone technology is expected to proliferate around the world, with systems at an advanced stage of development in the US, UK, Germany, and elsewhere.
EOS notes that it has already received a “world-first” export order for a 100 kW-class laser weapon system for the Netherlands. The firm also has what it calls a binding conditional agreement with a customer in Korea to deliver a similar system, and to set up a local partnership there.
“Production and integration activities associated with these engagements are expected to be supported by the Singapore facility,” announced EOS.
Global proliferation
With unmanned aerial vehicles now playing a huge role in conflicts, particularly in Ukraine, drone technology is becoming more sophisticated, with defense forces seeking ways to defeat their threat.
High-energy lasers are seen as a good fit, by offering a way to disable UAVs at a fraction of the incremental cost of conventional kinetic weapons.
Recent developments have included Qinetiq’s £67 million contract to deliver lasers for the UK’s “Dragonfire” weapon, which are expected to be integrated on Royal Navy warships as soon as next year.
In Germany, arms manufacturers MBDA Systems and Rheinmetall have set up a laser weapons joint venture, with a fully operational system for the German Navy expected by 2029, while the US-based fiber laser specialist IPG Photonics showed off its new “CROSSBOW” laser defense system at last week’s Singapore Airshow.
“EOS’ high-energy laser capability, including Apollo, is engineered to integrate with modern, layered air defense architectures, providing a precise and scalable response with low cost per engagement, effectively unlimited ammunition, and full directional coverage, including vertical engagement,” says the Australian firm, with its CEO Andreas Schwer adding:
“The Singapore facility will operate as EOS’ center of excellence in laser technology innovation, supporting multiple international laser projects.
“As demand grows, EOS expects future expansion to increasingly involve localised production and integration, driven by customer requirements for sovereignty and long-term control of capability development.”
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