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Australian defence and communications technology company Electro Optic Systems has secured a $15 million contract with German defence manufacturer Diehl Defence.
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Under the contract, announced on 29 January and subject to Australian government export approval, EOS will supply its Slinger counter-drone system for integration on lightweight 4x4 platforms produced by Diehl Defence. It also includes provision of systems, spares, training and related services with the systems expected to be delivered within this year.
The Slinger counter-drone system was developed to track and engage moving drones at a range of more than 800 metres, depending on the weapon configuration used. It can incorporate unique ammunition making it suitable for built up environments, a radar system, and a range of weapon configurations.
The Slinger and vehicle combination is expected to provide defensive capability to protect critical assets from unmanned aerial vehicle/drone attacks.
“The contract with Diehl Defence represents yet another key milestone in the global success story of our Slinger counter-drone system, launched in early 2023,” according to EOS chief executive officer Dr Andreas Schwer.
“Born from EOS innovation, with proprietary tracking technology and shaped by real-world combat experiences, Slinger continues to evolve, drawing on ongoing lessons from the field.
“This contract is a testament to its growing relevance and effectiveness in today’s rapidly changing defence landscape.”
The Slinger system, its stabilisation and pointing technology was designed and developed in Australia specifically for effective counter-drone applications in export markets, with a focus on addressing contemporary and emerging threats based on lessons learned in recent conflicts, according to EOS.
In performing this contract, EOS will draw upon a support network and supply chain consisting of over 100 suppliers located across Australia, and others internationally.
Earlier this week, Diehl Defence announced a €1.2 billion development agreement had been signed between Short-and Very Short-Range Air Defence System Consortium (ARGE NNbS composed of Diehl Defence, Rheinmetall Electronics, and Hensoldt Sensors) with Germany’s military procurement agency, the Federal Office for Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology and In-Service Support.
Both organisations have agreed to optimise medium-range air defence and develop high-mobility air defence capabilities to protect manoeuvre forces from aerial threats. Key objectives include networking of individual components, integration of the medium-range IRIS T-SLM guided missile, interoperability and extending the intercept zone to include short-range threats.
Networking will enable connection to the IRIS T-SLM fire units currently under procurement as well as to the Skyranger 30 ground-based mobile air defence system, to be procured in future.
