EOS names new high-energy laser weapon ‘Apollo’

Electro Optic Systems (EOS) has unveiled Apollo as the official identity for its high-energy laser weapon (HELW), a system the company says is designed to defeat drones “at the speed of light.”

The announcement comes around DSEI 2025 in London, where EOS exhibited as part of Team Defence Australia. The firm describes Apollo as scalable up to 150 kW, offering 360-degree coverage, vertical engagement capability, and either unlimited shots when connected to external power or more than 200 stored engagements when isolated.

The company argues that the system has been developed in response to the increasing role of drones in modern warfare. Apollo is intended to counter Group 1–3 drones and disrupt their sensors at range. EOS highlights its ability to integrate into layered counter-drone systems alongside kinetic effectors such as its Slinger remote weapon system and missile defences, while also connecting with NATO-standard command-and-control networks.

Dr Andreas Schwer, EOS Group CEO, said the company had invested heavily to bring the technology to maturity. “EOS has developed its high energy laser weapon to meet the urgent market need and emerging strategic requirement to defend against drone swarm attacks at an economical cost,” he said. “There is strong international interest in high energy laser weapons, and it is increasingly clear they will play a central role in counter-drone defence.”

The naming follows the announcement in August that EOS had secured what it described as the world’s first export contract for a 100 kW-class HELW with a European NATO member state. EOS has stressed that Apollo is ITAR-free and controlled entirely by the company, a detail it says makes it easier for partners to adopt and sustain.