The Australian Government has announced an additional contract under the Advanced Strategic Capabilities Accelerator’s (ASCA) Mission Syracuse.
“This investment highlights the strength of Australia’s sovereign defence industry, with EOS Defence Systems delivering an advanced, locally developed capability that will enhance the Australian Defence Force’s ability to counter emerging threats," Minister for Defence Industry, Pat Conroy, highlighted.
“The Advanced Strategic Capabilities Accelerator and Mission Syracuse are demonstrating how Defence can move at speed - rapidly partnering with industry to bring innovative capabilities into development.
“This agile, mission-driven approach is accelerating the delivery of cutting-edge counter-drone solutions to the Australian Defence Force, ensuring we stay ahead of emerging threats.”
This latest contract has been awarded to Electro Optic Systems (EOS) Defence Systems to develop the R400 Slinger Counter Uncrewed Aerial Systems (CUAS) capability.
“Mission Syracuse is a strong example of how Defence, through ASCA, can work at speed and with urgency alongside Australian industry to rapidly develop and deliver innovative counter-drone technologies and capabilities that strengthen the ADF and our sovereign industrial base," Head Advanced Strategic Capabilities Accelerator, Major General Hugh Meggitt, stated.
Valued at $5.7 million, the contract brings total investment under Mission Syracuse to $37.4 million and forms part of the Government’s broader strategy to accelerate the development of sovereign counter-drone capabilities.
The R400 Slinger is an advanced, all-in-one remote weapon system capable of countering small and medium sized drones. Integrating an advanced laser-guided rocket and a machine gun, it provides a highly effective and flexible response to airborne threats.
Importantly, the R400 will be manufactured and sustained in Australia by an Australian-owned company. This contract builds on the previously announced investments in Aim Defence and SYPAQ Systems, which are developing advanced laser and interceptor drone technologies under Mission Syracuse.
The Australian Government has allocated up to $22 billion for drone, counter-drone and autonomous system technologies over the decade through the 2026 Integrated Investment Program (IIP).
“Counter-drone threats are evolving rapidly, and Mission Syracuse enables us to deliver capability on timelines aligned to operational needs,” EOS, Executive Vice President, Defence Systems Australia. Lee Kormany, indicated.
“This work reflects our ability to move fast, iterate quickly, and deliver systems that are ready for the realities of modern combat.”
As an Australian headquartered company, EOS represents a critical sovereign industrial capability. Almost every remote weapon system EOS designs, engineers and manufactures is developed entirely within Australia.
“We are grateful for the trust placed in us by ASCA,” Kormany said. “It is that partnership, between industry and Defence that allows us to deliver sovereign, world-class capability when and where it matters most.”
Advances achieved through this program are expected to inform broader capability development efforts, supporting a range of operational applications and platforms across the Australian Defence Force (ADF).