Electro Optic Systems (EOS) has opened its new R150 Remote Weapon System (RWS) production line at its manufacturing facility in Canberra today. EOS was excited to open the R150 production line in response to growing international demand for lightweight systems that can be fitted to a wide range of protected and utility vehicles. The R150 is life-saving technology that keeps soldiers safe by allowing them to remain secure within the vehicle, reducing their exposure to hostile fire. It is unique to the market, stabilised, accurate, and with minimal weight, it sets a new standard for firepower with the capability to mount and fire weapons up to 12.7mm calibre on the move and over long range. The R150 has been designed and developed in Australia, with a focus on addressing contemporary and emerging threats based on lessons learned in recent conflicts, such as Ukraine. An initial batch of 14 R150 gimbals will be provided to the US.
Executive Vice President of EOS Defence Systems, Matt Jones said, “I am proud of the innovative, cutting-edge technology that our local employees in the Canberra region, supported by an Australian supply chain, have developed, which has gained recognition on the world stage. The R150 is entirely designed, developed, and manufactured in Australia. This remote weapon system will save Ukrainian lives, meeting an urgent operational need, allowing them to defeat the drone threat from within the safety of their vehicles”.
In 2022 President Biden announced that these systems would subsequently be delivered to Ukraine as part of the US’ military assistance package. EOS is committed to supporting Ukraine. Larger EOS RWS, such as those used by the Australian Defence Force, have already been provided to Ukraine, integrated with the Australian Bushmaster protected mobility vehicles. The R150 and the larger RWS already in use in Ukraine have a common user interface, enabling operators to switch seamlessly between the two systems without requiring additional training. EOS is Australia’s largest sovereign defence industry exporter and a trusted provider of advanced military technology to the Australian Defence Force, employing approximately 300 staff across Australia, with more than 100 Australian companies in its supply chain.
The EOS Remote Weapon System (RWS) portfolio is specifically designed to offer maximum firepower at minimal weight, ensuring superior accuracy and reliability compared to competitor systems. Currently, more than 2,500 units have been sold and are in use by several military services across Australia, North America, Europe, and South-East Asia. This year, EOS has experienced an increase in global sales. In April EOS announced the securing of two conditional contracts to supply its industry-leading RWS and related components to Ukraine. These contracts entail a total of up to 150 units, valued at up to a total of US$121m (approximately A$181m) Additionally in June, EOS secured an additional conditional contract valued at approximately EUR32m (approximately A$51m) to supply RWS units to a Western European government. The contract includes spares, training, and related services. To fulfill these contracts, EOS will leverage its extensive support network and supply chain.
