Australian firm Electro Optic Systems (EOS) has secured a $42-million contract from a Middle Eastern country to deliver its Slinger counter-drone remote cannon-based weapon system amid escalating regional conflict.
Slinger was developed to counter evolving threats, drawing on lessons from recent conflicts, including the war in Ukraine.
In addition to the Slinger system, the contract covers the supply of cannons, platform integration, spares, training, and other related equipment.
Production will take place in Australia, with deliveries scheduled through 2026.
EOS did not disclose the identity of the customer country, but said the buyer is “a large, established defense prime contractor with several large-scale government and export contracts.”
The company added that the customer requested anonymity due to national security considerations and that the system is intended to strengthen defense capabilities in response to escalating conflicts in the Middle East.
Cost-Effective Option
The system is designed for low-cost operations, reducing reliance on more sophisticated and expensive counter-drone weapons. A single engagement using the Slinger air defense system costs between $100 and $1,000.
The Slinger integrates radar for target detection and tracking, a stabilized 30mm cannon with specialized ammunition, and precision-pointing technology. It can operate as a standalone unit or as part of a broader networked defense system.
Equipped with day and thermal imaging sensors, it can detect targets beyond 12 kilometers (7.4 miles). The day camera enables recognition at up to 5.6 kilometers (3.4 miles) and identification at up to 4.7 kilometers (2.9 miles).
An upgraded Slinger system was recently unveiled, featuring aided target recognition capability and an autonomy suite designed to improve operational efficiency.
Additional Orders
Meanwhile, the company also received contracts worth $3 million from a US-based customer for integration into a counter-drone system.
The customer requested anonymity for itself, the end user, and the end product. Manufacturing will take place in Australia, with delivery scheduled through 2026.
In addition, several Middle Eastern governments and their representatives discussed counter-drone capabilities with EOS in March, including the Slinger system, the Apollo high-energy laser weapon, and other solutions designed to protect critical infrastructure.
EOS noted that the current situation in the Middle East could accelerate opportunities for the company, though it emphasized that additional orders are not guaranteed.
