Australian aerospace and defence company Electro Optic Systems (EOS) has announced it will supply remote weapons systems products to US weapons company Orbital ATK in a contract valued between $150 and $170 million.
On March 3 the company's defence systems sector announced it had received a purchase order in the amount of US$7 million for the advance purchase of long-lead items for a significant program requirement.
The products will be deliverable from 2017-2020.
In Dulles, Virginia, last month US weapons manufacturer Orbital ATK conducted its second Bushmaster User Conference, hosting more than 150 US and international customers and industry partners, including EOS, representing about 25 countries.
Remote weapons stations from EOS were installed on both the Oshkosh JLTV and a Land Cruiser during the demonstration – showing the flexibility of a lightweight but capable chain gun on differing vehicles. Credit: Orbital ATK
The highlight of the three-day event was a series of the live-fire product demonstration, including the company’s first products resulting from its advanced ammunition R&D program. The centerpiece of the demonstration was Orbital ATK’s 30mm Bushmaster Chain Gun, upgunned to a 40mm configuration, firing the company’s new 40mm programmable air-bursting munitions. The company also showcased its M230 Link Fed chain gun and 30 mm x 113mm ammunition firing from a variety of light tactical vehicles.
The M230 Link Fed Bushmaster Chain Gun was integrated on to weapons stations from Kongsberg and EOS.
ADM contacted EOS Defence Systems CEO Dr Warwick Holloway for further information but as the contract is in the final stages of negotiation he was unable to elaborate on the details.
In December last year, EOS commenced commercial sales of its new 30 mm weapon systems aimed at the emerging market for increasing the firepower of armored infantry fighting vehicles.
The company was awarded a contract for the upgrade of 45 units of EOS remote weapon systems installed on the Army's Bushmaster Protected Mobility Vehicles.
Responding to that contract award, Group CEO EOS Dr Ben Greene said the award by the Commonwealth was representative of the global market response EOS has received to its next-generation weapon system products.
“EOS customers are currently increasing funding allocations to allow orders to be placed with EOS for this major advance in weapon technology,” he said. “We expect contract awards to be made to EOS in the first half of 2017.”