Electro Optic Systems (EOS) has been awarded a contract to develop an” all-in-one” remote weapon system integrating a laser-guided rocket and a machine gun, reinforcing Australia’s counter-drone capabilities.
Described as an advanced remote weapon system, the “R400 SLINGER” is designed to take down small- and medium-sized drones, serving as a flexible response option to emerging aerial threats.
EOS will manufacture and sustain the system in Australia, supporting local industry while strengthening domestic capability.
R400 SLINGER will be developed as part of the government’s Mission Syracuse program run by the Advanced Strategic Capabilities Accelerator (ASCA).
The contract is worth 5.7 million Australian dollars ($3.9 million), bringing the program’s cumulative investment to over 37.4 million Australian dollars ($25.9 million).
“The [ASCA] and Mission Syracuse are demonstrating how Defence can move at speed – rapidly partnering with industry to bring innovative capabilities into development,” said Pat Conroy, Defence Industry Minister.
“This agile, mission-driven approach is accelerating the delivery of cutting-edge counter-drone solutions to the Australian Defence Force, ensuring we stay ahead of emerging threats.”
The Mission Syracuse Program
R400 SLINGER joins other counter-drone technologies being developed under Mission Syracuse, with similar contracts previously awarded to AIM Defence and SYPAQ Systems for advanced laser and interceptor drone systems.
When deployed together, these projects are envisioned to significantly improve how the Australian Defence Force can detect, track, and neutralize uncrewed threats.
Canberra has committed up to 22 billion Australian dollars ($15.3 billion) for drone, counter-drone, and autonomous technologies over the next decade through its 2026 Integrated Investment Program.
“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,” Conroy stressed.
