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Defence technology supplier Electro Optic Systems (EOS) has opened a new production facility in Canberra to support its growing export opportunities.
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Minister for Defence Industry Christopher Pyne officially opened the new facility, which will act as EOS' defence products development centre, as well as a production support facility for current contracts.
"Today’s facility opening highlights the key role that defence exports play to both support our troops and allies in battle, as well as create more Australian jobs in our defence industry," said Minister Pyne.
"I am pleased that the opening of EOS’ new facility today goes hand-in-hand with supporting 110 Australian jobs through recently awarded contracts, which is set to rise to 200 jobs by 2020."
EOS is a supplier and exporter of remote weapons systems, and has previously supplied 235 R400S Mk1 Remote Weapons for Australia's Bushmaster Protected Mobility Vehicle. The company has now secured over $600 million in contracts for the EOS R400S-Mk2, a stabilised, single weapon station with flexible ballistic protection.
EOS said the small dispersed control modules allow integration into tight internal vehicle spaces. It also features an integrated video tracker, an integrated battlefield sector scan, integrated firing inhibit zones and various sensors, including a laser rangefinder and day and thermal cameras.
Minister Pyne added, together with these new contracts, that the new facility positions EOS for significant future growth, with export production capacity at the facility set to reach $20 million a month by 2020.
"This facility will also help EOS continue their fantastic record of competing internationally and winning significant export opportunities," Minister Pyne said.
"When meeting with my counterparts overseas, I am a strong vocal advocate for Australian capability including EOS’ remote weapons systems.
"EOS’ success is a demonstration of what can be achieved when government and industry work together and our Defence Export Strategy will further realise this.”
The Defence Export Strategy was released this week and includes a $3.8 billion Defence Export Facility to be administered by Efic, Australia’s export credit agency, a new Australian Defence Export Office, a new Australian Defence Export Advocate and $20 million per year to implement the Defence Export Strategy and support defence industry exports.
