Dutch State Secretary for Defence Derk Boswijk has signed a letter of intent with Electro Optic Systems (EOS). The letter has covered further work on EOS' Apollo High Energy Laser Weapon technology, which is designed for counter-drone defence.
Under the letter of intent the Netherlands Ministry of Defence (MoD) and EOS will explore pathways for the Apollo High Energy Laser Weapon to become a fully operational weapon system for the Netherlands.
The parties will also explore the opportunity to establish a production facility in the Netherlands, supported by a Dutch-led European supply chain.
Under the intended arrangements, EOS would carry out production in the Netherlands. Subject to further work, the Netherlands MoD intends to purchase a number of laser weapon systems.
According to EOS, the Apollo High Energy Laser Weapon converts energy into a high-power laser beam and has proved highly effective against drones.