Australia’s EOS Unveils ‘Apollo’ High Energy Laser Weapon

Australia’s Electro Optic Systems (EOS) has officially named its 100 kW-class High Energy Laser Weapon (HELW) ‘Apollo,’ weeks after securing the world’s first export contract for such a system with a European NATO member state.

Scalable up to 150 kW, the weapon will be showcased at DSEI UK 2025 (September 9–12) as part of Team Defence Australia.

The Apollo will be used to target drones, which are now widely used for surveillance, reconnaissance, and strike missions, often moving too fast and unpredictably for conventional defenses. The weapon is engineered to counter Group 1–3 drones, disrupt their sensors at range, and provide 360-degree coverage including vertical engagements. The laser offers unlimited shots when connected to external power and more than 200 stored engagements in isolated operations. It can be containerized, vehicle-mounted, or deployed as part of a layered defense with kinetic systems such as EOS’ Slinger remote weapon system.

Apollo is designed to integrate with NATO fielded command-and-control and air defense systems.