The Australian company Electro Optic Systems (EOS) has unveiled Apollo, a new high-energy laser system designed to counter drones. This system, which until recently seemed like an element of science fiction, is now ready to become part of modern military arsenals.
The main purpose of Apollo is to combat mass drone attacks. The laser is capable of destroying up to 50 drones per minute at a distance of up to 3 km. In addition, it can blind their sensors at a distance of up to 15 km. The system provides a 360-degree view, which allows for effective protection of objects from attacks from all directions.
The reaction speed of Apollo is amazing: targeting takes less than one and a half seconds. As noted by the company, the system is not only technologically superior to existing analogues, but is also economically advantageous. “For every million dollars spent on a drone swarm attack, defense can cost 50 times more,” EOS explains. A laser shot is limited only by the cost of electricity.
To ensure mobility, engineers placed the entire system in a standard container that can be quickly transported by any transport. Deployment takes less than two hours. In autonomous mode, Apollo can fire more than 200 shots, and when connected to an external power source, it can operate with virtually no restrictions.