An Australian Defence Company, Electro Optic Systems (EOS), has secured a $120 million deal to export its Remote Weapons System (RWS) to Ukraine. The RWS technology is expected to be delivered this year, and EOS hopes to secure more arms sales to the war-torn country.
The RWS technology provides greater accuracy and reliability than its competitors, and it can be integrated onto different vehicles and platforms for a range of missions. The system allows soldiers to remain protected within their vehicles and avoid exposing themselves to potential threats. EOS CEO Andreas Schwer explained the benefits of the RWS technology.
“It’s a weapons system which is fitted on top of armoured vehicles and tanks to allow troops to identify targets, to automatically track those targets and to fire the weapons system without leaving the vehicle and exposing themselves.”
The Remote Weapons System developed in the ACT is presently in use by various military forces globally, including North America, Europe, South-East Asia, and the Middle East. To secure the multi-million-dollar deal, EOS received help from Ukrainian Ambassador Vasyl Myroshnychenko, and senior company executive Matthew Jones visited war-torn Kyiv twice.
Dr Schwer, the CEO of EOS, is optimistic that this contract, supported by the Australian government but with no taxpayer funding, could pave the way for more agreements in Eastern Europe.
Dr Schwer believes the contract, which is backed by the federal government but involves no taxpayer-funded assistance, could lead to further deals for EOS in Eastern Europe.
“EOS is proud to support the Ukrainian Armed Forces and the people of Ukraine by providing the country with the lifesaving utility of its Remote Weapon System. This will contribute to its critical security and defence needs,” he said.
“It’s a big door opener, not only into the Ukrainian market, but also into the Eastern European market, we expect that this kind of battlefield proven [product] will give us further opportunities all around the world.”
The Albanese government has released its latest Defence Sales Catalogue, featuring over 250 offerings, including the EOS technology. The catalogue is designed to showcase Australian weapons to foreign markets and promote the country’s defence exports.
Defence Industry Minister Pat Conroy expressed the government’s commitment to boost the defence industry and support innovation in the country. He added that the catalogue features a record number of Australian businesses, which demonstrates the increasing number of world-class defence products, services, and technologies produced in the country.
