- Electro Optic Systems (EOS) has established a new benchmark for neutralising swarm drone attacks using its directed energy drone defence system
- The system was developed as part of the Titanis drone to disable drones in three specific groups, and to neutralise sensors on drones at a long range
- The testing was limited to drones within the first group and found the system could disable or destroy drones at 20 drones per minute
- Further testing, extended to drones in group two and three at a different location is scheduled for the third quarter of this year
- Company shares are trading 3.09 per cent higher at $2 each
Following tests of its directed energy (DE) drone defence system, Electro Optic Systems (EOS) has established a new benchmark for neutralising swarm drone attacks.
The DE system was developed as a key element of EOS’ Titanis drone with the aim of disabling drones in three specific groups, and to neutralise sensors on drones at a long range.
Drones categorised under group one weigh less than nine kilograms (kg), can reach up to 1200 feet (ft) and travel up to 100 knots (kts).
Group two comprises drones that weigh between nine and 25 kg, can reach up to 3500 ft and travel at 250 kts.
In group three, drones weigh between 25 to 600 kgs, can reach up to 20,000 ft and travel at 250 kts.
Safety protocols at the testing site limited EOS’s testing capability to group one drones, and further testing will be extended to the other groups at a different location in the third quarter of this year.
The testing found the system could disable or destroy drones at a rate of up to 20 drones per minute, including the time required to bring down each drone.
The company claims no other drone defence system has comparable results.
Moreover, after the trials, the system was reportedly relocated to a different site where it was restored to full operation which EOS said is a further demonstration of robust capability not normally associated with powerful lasers.
“These latest results show the large numbers of drones can be directly neutralised by EOS defensive systems,” Chief Executive of EOS Defence Systems Grant Sanderson said.
“During 2022, a vast amount of military equipment has been destroyed in Ukrain by drones of the type that the Titanis DE drone defence system was developed to protect against,” Mr Sanderson explained.
“Drones are highly likely to be used at some time in offensive roles against Australia and its allies, and there is now strong demand for drone defence from customers with current weapon system deliver contracts with EOS.”
Mr Sanderson also said two of the company’s major end-users are already co-funding trials and qualification efforts.
Company shares were trading 3.09 per cent higher at $2 each at 1:17 pm AEST.