Electro Optic Systems (EOS) has opened its new R150 Remote Weapon System (RWS) production line at its manufacturing facility in Canberra.
The company says it has opened the R150 production line in response to growing international demand for lightweight systems that can be fitted to a wide range of protected and utility vehicles.
The R150 keeps soldiers safe by allowing them to remain secure within the vehicle, reducing their exposure to hostile fire. It is 'stabilised, accurate, and with minimal weight', according to EOS, with the capability to mount and fire weapons up to 12.7mm calibre on the move and over long range.
The R150 has been designed and developed in Australia, with a focus on addressing contemporary and emerging threats based on lessons learned in recent conflicts, such as Ukraine.
An initial batch of 14 R150 gimbals will be provided to the US. In 2022 President Biden announced that these systems would subsequently be delivered to Ukraine as part of the US’ military assistance package.
Larger EOS RWS, such as those used by the Australian Defence Force, have already been provided to Ukraine, integrated with the Australian Bushmaster protected mobility vehicles. The R150 and the larger RWS already in use in Ukraine have a common user interface, enabling operators to switch seamlessly between the two systems without requiring additional training.
“I am proud of the innovative, cutting-edge technology that our local employees in the Canberra region, supported by an Australian supply chain, have developed, which has gained recognition on the world stage," Executive Vice President of EOS Defence Systems, Matt Jones said. "The R150 is entirely designed, developed, and manufactured in Australia.”
“This remote weapon system will save Ukrainian lives, meeting an urgent operational need, allowing them to defeat the drone threat from within the safety of their vehicles.”