EOS Wins LAND 400 Australian Defence Program

29 Agustus 2018

EOS R400S Mark 2 D-HD remote weapon station (photo : EOS)

Electro Optic Systems, (ASX: EOS), acting through its subsidiary EOS Defence Systems Pty Limited, is pleased to announce that it has been selected as the remote weapon system provider for Phase 2 (Combat Reconnaissance Vehicle) of the Australian Army’s LAND 400 program. EOS tendered the R400S Mark 2 D-HD remote weapon station for this acquisition. This latest R400 variant is commencing full rate production to meet existing contracts in early 2019. It is expected that approximately 80 remote weapon stations for Land 400 Phase 2 would enter an existing manufacturing process from 2021.

Additionally, the LAND 400 Phase 3 tender released today requires that all tenderers ‘include the integration / use of’ the EOS Remote Weapon Station in their responses for the next Phase of the program. Phase 3 seeks to deliver 450 Infantry Fighting Vehicles and 17 Manoeuvre Support Vehicles from 2024/25 onwards.

These two events represent a significant step forward for EOS Defence Systems as the primary RWS provider to the Australian Army. Combined with the existing in-service 230+ EOS remote weapon stations these additional systems will create a larger EOS RWS fleet across multiple vehicles and deliver significant improvements in operational effectiveness and cost of ownership for Australia’s combat forces.

The R400S Mark 2 Direct Drive-Heavy Duty (D-HD) remote weapon station is the latest high precision product from EOS Defence Systems and can mount different weapons up to and including the M230LF lightweight 30mm cannon and anti-tank guided missiles.

The LAND 400 program comprises four phases which are summarised below:
- LAND 400 Phase 1 – Project Definition Study (completed);
- LAND 400 Phase 2 –Combat Reconnaissance Vehicle Capability
- LAND 400 Phase 3 –Mounted Close Combat Capability; and
- LAND 400 Phase 4 – Integrated Training System.

EOS Group CEO, Ben Greene, said: “EOS as an Australian defence industry company is enormously proud of being chosen to provide more weapon stations to this important ADF program. Although the vast majority of EOS revenue is derived from exports, meeting the needs of the Australian Defence Force is of utmost importance. This announcement practically demonstrates the commitment of government to Australian Defence Industry.”

EOS Defence Systems CEO, Grant Sanderson, commented: “This is a very pleasing outcome and great recognition for the EOS Defence Systems workforce who have worked exceptionally hard over the last few years to create these world class products. 

This new order combined with the AUD$630+mil other orders received over 2017/18 underwrite production growth for the next five years. Such backlog creates opportunity for EOS to continue to provide the highest quality and best value for money technology in the world to the Australian Defence Force and our global customers.”

(EOS)