Australian company Electro Optic Systems (EOS) has been chosen as the supplier of remote weapon stations for the Australian Army’s new Boxer Combat Reconnaissance Vehicles (CRV).
Minister for Defence, Christopher Pyne, made the announcement at the EOS stand at LAND FORCES 2018 Exhibition in Adelaide on 4 September, and said this announcement would increase Australian industry involvement in the project.
“This is a great outcome for Australia, the Australian Defence Force and Australian industry that reinforces our focus on building an Australian defence industry,” Minister Pyne said.
“An Australian defence industry success story, Electro Optic Systems is poised to become the nation’s largest defence exporter.”
The remote weapon stations enable soldiers to fire a range of weapons, while crucially still remaining safe inside their armoured vehicles.
Read: EOS secures $60m placement to fund $410m arms contract
Minister Pyne also announced EOS’ newest Remote Weapon System (RWS), the R150. Following a Commonwealth investment of $3.4 million in 2013 to develop the next generation of RWS, EOS has developed the R150 which delivers the same capability in a lighter weight system that can deliver lethal effects and highly capable sensors on a platform with restricted weight requirements.
“This is a pivotal example of how Commonwealth investment in innovative proposals can develop future Defence capability, create jobs and boost our defence industry in Australia.
“I congratulate EOS on launching this next generation product and welcome their continued commitment to Australian industry”, Minister Pyne said.
Formed in 1983, EOS operates in the aerospace and defence markets, incorporating advanced electro optic applications based on EOS core technologies in software, lasers, electronics, gimbals, telescopes and beam directors, and precision mechanisms.
A proven provider, EOS has supplied remote weapon stations for Army’s in-service Bushmaster vehicles.
The construction of the Boxer Combat Reconnaissance Vehicles under LAND 400 Phase 2 will generate approximately 1,450 jobs across Australia.
Read: Rheinmetall wins $5bn contract, jobs on the way
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