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Electro Optic Systems (EOS), acting through its subsidiary EOS Defence Systems, announced that it has been selected as the remote weapon system provider for Phase 2 of the Australian Army’s LAND 400 program.
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EOS tendered the R400S Mark 2 Direct Drive-Heavy Duty (D-HD) remote weapon station for this acquisition. This latest R400 variant is commencing full rate production to meet existing contracts in early 2019. It is expected that approximately 80 remote weapon stations for LAND 400 Phase 2 would enter an existing manufacturing process from 2021.
Additionally, the LAND 400 Phase 3 tender released on Friday requires that all tenderers 'include the integration/use of' the EOS remote weapon station (RWS) in their responses for the next phase of the program. Phase 3 seeks to deliver 450 Infantry Fighting Vehicles and 17 Manoeuvre Support Vehicles from 2024-25 onwards.
EOS Group chief executive Ben Greene said, "EOS as an Australian defence industry company is enormously proud of being chosen to provide more weapon stations to this important ADF program. Although the vast majority of EOS revenue is derived from exports, meeting the needs of the Australian Defence Force is of utmost importance. This announcement practically demonstrates the commitment of government to Australian Defence Industry."
These two events represent a significant step forward for EOS Defence Systems as the primary RWS provider to the Australian Army. Combined with the existing in-service 230+ EOS remote weapon stations, these additional systems will create a larger EOS RWS fleet across multiple vehicles and deliver significant improvements in operational effectiveness and cost of ownership for Australia’s combat forces.
The R400S Mark 2 D-HD remote weapon station is the latest high precision product from EOS Defence Systems and can mount different weapons up to and including the M230LF lightweight 30mm cannon and anti-tank guided missiles.
The LAND 400 program comprises four phases:
- LAND 400 Phase 1 – Project Definition Study (completed);
- LAND 400 Phase 2 – Combat Reconnaissance Vehicle Capability;
- LAND 400 Phase 3 – Mounted Close Combat Capability; and
- LAND 400 Phase 4 – Integrated Training System.
Grant Sanderson, EOS Defence Systems CEO, commented, "This is a very pleasing outcome and great recognition for the EOS Defence Systems workforce who have worked exceptionally hard over the last few years to create these world class products.
"This new order combined with the $630 million+ other orders received over 2017-18 underwrite production growth for the next five years. Such backlog creates opportunity for EOS to continue to provide the highest quality and best value for money technology in the world to the Australian Defence Force and our global customers."
EOS operates in both the defence and space sectors.
EOS Defence Systems specialises in technology for weapon systems optimisation and integration, as well as ISR (intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance) for land warfare. Its key products are next-generation vehicle turrets and remote weapons systems.
EOS Space Systems specialises in applying EOS-developed optical sensors to detect, track, classify and characterise objects in space. This information has both military and commercial applications, including managing space assets to avoid collisions with space debris, missile defence and space control.
