Australian firm Electro Optic Systems (EOS) has presented Germany with two high-energy laser systems designed for counter-drone operations and the protection of space assets during German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius visit to the company’s facility in Canberra.
According to Australian Defence Magazine, the company submitted a commercial offer for its Apollo 100-kilowatt laser weapon, developed to engage drones.
A second offer covered a high-energy laser capability designed to disable satellite optical systems, a mission addressed by EOS’ Atlas family of space-control products.
The company said it is also developing Atlas M/R, a mobile version mounted on a vehicle that combines a laser with an optical tracking system.
EOS plans to publicly unveil the system at a defense exhibition in Germany next year.
According to EOS Chief Executive Officer Andreas Schwer, the European nation is evaluating advanced laser technologies ahead of planned procurement programs for counter-drone and space capabilities.
He said Berlin is interested in capabilities that are not currently available from European suppliers and is assessing potential solutions before launching formal competitions.
“They are going for big procurement programs… before they launch a program or make decisions, they want to see what we can do and potentially invite us to bid against European players,” said Schwer.
EOS already has an established relationship with Berlin through previous sales of its R400 remote weapon station, some of which Germany later transferred to Ukraine.
The company has also been shortlisted in a German program to procure up to 4,000 remote weapon stations.
Investing in Space
The announcement comes as Berlin increases investment in military space capabilities.
Earlier this week, Pistorius warned that threats to satellites are already a reality, as the country plans to invest 35 billion euros ($41 billion) in space security by 2030.
Among the planned projects is the 10-billion-euro ($11.45 billion) SATCOMBw4 program, expected to provide the Bundeswehr with a sovereign military satellite communications network while supporting broader investments in early warning, reconnaissance, and space surveillance capabilities.
