The demonstration, led by EOS Project Engineering Lead Ian Hilton-Cowie and the EOS Defence Systems Titanis team, highlighted the Laser Dazzler’s potential as part of a counter-drone solution. Integrated into the company’s Slinger counter-drone system, the Laser Dazzler effectively demonstrated the ability to use a non-lethal, unmanned aircraft laser to degrade, disable or destroy the electro-optical sensors of a typical UAS.
Andreas Schwer, Group CEO at Electro Optic Systems, said: “EOS has established itself as a pioneer in laser dazzling technology and was the first to successfully integrate this technology into a remote weapon system. With the success of our Slinger system, we have proven our ability to deliver precise counter-drone technology. Laser Dazzler builds on this experience and expands our non-lethal payload options with our world-leading technology.”
Laser Dazzler enhances Remote Weapon Systems (RWS) with optical dazzle, disable and disarm capabilities, providing a powerful solution to counter drone threats. Laser Dazzler can be integrated into the RWS as a near replacement for a 7.62mm coaxial machine gun, providing operators the flexibility to employ either lethal kinetic electronic warfare or non-lethal Scalable Kinetic Electronic Warfare (SKEW) methods against airborne threats.
The dazzling effect of CUAS starts at the camera’s range. Laser light is single wavelength and coherent, so it travels far in a vacuum, but disperses farther in atmosphere. The Laser Dazzler has custom beamforming and optics designed to achieve the required power density at the operational range, tailored to specific tactical requirements.
Group 1 UAVs rely heavily on Global Positioning Systems (GPS), Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) and Inertial Navigation Systems (INS) for navigation and payload delivery, making maintaining sensor integrity critical. Laser Dazzler provides the capability to mitigate damage to sensors from light exposure, ensuring sustained operational accuracy.
Laser Dazzler has been designed and developed in Australia specifically for the export market, drawing on lessons learned from recent conflicts such as in Ukraine to address current and emerging threats from unmanned systems.
Schwer concluded: “EOS is committed to the continued development of defense technologies, equipping allied forces with systems that are not only lethal but also adaptable. Our ongoing innovation and partnerships continue to push the boundaries of what is possible in defense technology.”
Organizers plan to publish lessons learned and announce winners in the coming weeks.
