Australia’s Electro Optic Systems (EOS) has unveiled Apollo, a high-energy laser system that promises to change the way militaries fight drone swarms. The company showcased Apollo at the Defence and Security Equipment International (DSEI) exhibition in London, where it quickly drew attention as the “world’s cheapest shot.”
Speed and Precision Against Drone Swarms
Apollo delivers a scalable power output of up to 150 kilowatts and can eliminate 20 to 50 drones every minute. Its advanced re-targeting mechanism shifts 60 degrees in less than 1.5 seconds, allowing it to track and destroy fast-moving aerial threats. When engineers connect Apollo to an external power source, it fires without limits. Even in standalone mode, the system carries enough stored energy to complete more than 200 kills.
Cost-Effective Defense for Modern Battlefields
Unlike conventional missile interceptors, which can cost up to $200,000 per shot, Apollo fires at the price of electricity. This makes it far more affordable to counter mass drone attacks. By replacing costly missiles with beams of light, EOS gives militaries a way to defend against drone swarms without exhausting their budgets.
Compact, Mobile, and Battlefield Ready
Engineers designed Apollo to combine power with mobility. They housed the system inside a 20-foot ISO container, enabling troops to deploy it in less than two hours. Apollo offers 360-degree coverage, destroying drones at ranges of up to 3 kilometers and disabling optical sensors from as far as 15 kilometers. Integrated with NATO-standard command-and-control systems, Apollo can operate on its own or alongside other defense platforms.
Shaping the Future of Directed Energy Weapons
By proving that directed energy weapons can be both effective and affordable, Apollo signals a major shift in modern warfare. EOS leaders insist that laser weapons are no longer just concepts—they are now essential tools for protecting the skies.
