Australia’s EOS opens Singapore hub to produce laser weapons

Australian-based Electro Optic Systems (EOS) on Feb. 6, 2026, officially opened a new manufacturing and integration facility in Singapore, establishing a regional hub to support the production, testing, and sustainment of high-energy laser weapon systems for customers across Asia and Europe.

According to a press release from the company, the new site will serve as EOS’ primary regional center for integrating and delivering directed-energy capabilities, including laser systems intended for air defense roles. The facility is designed to support system integration, development, demonstration, and long-term sustainment activities, enabling EOS to scale production and respond more quickly to regional customer requirements.

As noted by EOS, the Singapore hub directly supports the company’s growing portfolio of international laser weapon contracts. These include a confirmed export order for a 100-kilowatt-class laser weapon system for the Netherlands and a binding conditional agreement with a customer in the Republic of Korea covering the manufacture and supply of an additional 100-kilowatt-class laser system. The Korean agreement also предусматривает the establishment of a local industrial partnership to support domestic production and sustainment.

The company said production and integration work linked to both European and Asian programs is expected to be supported by the Singapore facility, positioning the site as a key node in EOS’ global manufacturing network. EOS described the opening as a step intended to strengthen supply chain resilience while supporting long-term customer requirements for localized support and system availability.

EOS stated that its laser capabilities are designed to integrate into layered air defense architectures, providing an additional option alongside missiles and guns.

EOS’ laser portfolio includes the Apollo system, which the company has previously presented as a ground-based directed-energy solution intended to counter drones and other aerial targets. According to the company, such systems offer engagement flexibility, directional coverage, and the ability to address saturation threats without reliance on conventional ammunition stockpiles.

“As drones become more sophisticated and are employed in greater numbers, defense forces are seeking solutions capable of defeating complex and saturation threats,” EOS said in its statement. The company added that its laser systems are designed for integration with existing command-and-control and sensor networks used by modern armed forces.

The Singapore facility is also intended to play a role in future localization efforts. EOS said the site will initially focus on integration and sustainment but could expand into broader manufacturing activities depending on customer requirements related to industrial participation and technology control.

“The Singapore facility will operate as EOS’ center of excellence in laser technology innovation, supporting multiple international laser projects,” said Andreas Schwer, chief executive officer of EOS. He added that future expansion could involve increased local production and integration as customers seek greater sovereignty over capability development and long-term support.

Singapore was selected due to its established defense technology ecosystem and its role as a regional logistics and manufacturing hub. EOS said the location allows closer engagement with regional defense customers while providing access to skilled technical labor and established industrial infrastructure.

The opening of the Singapore site comes as several countries in Europe and Asia move to evaluate non-kinetic air defense options in response to the proliferation of drones and loitering munitions observed in recent conflicts. Directed-energy systems have drawn attention for their potential role in base defense and point protection missions.