Electro Optic Systems Holdings Limited (EOS) has today announced that it has entered into an agreement to acquire the UK-based interceptor business from MARSS Group for a total initial investment of UKP5.5 million (approximately AUD 10 million).
The interceptor will be integrated into EOS’ product portfolio for sale to existing and new customers, said the company, with an expected 12-24 months of further development before full commercial launch – which will be faster and lower risk than in-house development. EOS will invest up to AUD 10 million over next three years, with potential for customer development funding.
“Following launch, the system pursues the target with onboard imaging, an infrared seeker and market-leading AI-based guidance,” said EOS of the iMARSS interceptor. “They can be operated fully autonomously if required. The system is compact and mobile, suited to fixed sites and vehicle deployment, and is designed to integrate with common sensors and command and control systems as part of a layered counter drone solution. A version of the system can be side-loaded to EOS’ RWS.”
“The acquisition is consistent with EOS’ stated strategic intent of expanding its counter-drone capability and offers several strategic benefits. Interceptor will broaden EOS’ counter drone ‘effector’ portfolio complementing EOS’ RWS and High Energy Laser Weapons, offering another defensive layer. This important effector has high strategic product potential due to: AI capability to counter ‘smart’ drones and high-speed ability (up to 290km/h); low production cost compared to alternative effectors (e.g. rockets and missiles); ability to be integrated within EOS’ RWS.
“There is additional potential in new markets needing ‘low collateral’ response (incl civil & domestic) (and the deal) extends EOS software/AI capability and establishes EOS’ in the UK (AUKUS partner) market.”
EOS has agreed to acquire all the Interceptor assets from MARSS and employ the expert team of specialised engineers that created this product to continue its development. The initial investment of around AUD 10 million will be funded from EOS’ existing cash reserves. It is expected that there will be no material impact on near-term financial results. Completion is expected following receipt of required approvals and satisfaction of customary conditions. EOS will provide further updates in line with its continuous disclosure obligations.
Dr Andreas Schwer, EOS Chief Executive Officer said:”We see the Interceptor product as a perfect complement to our existing product suite. This acquisition gives us a low collateral, cost-effective effector that we can integrate quickly. We see the Interceptor as accretive to our portfolio, supplementing our existing capabilities and, in particular, civil- and homeland security markets.”
For more information
The new Unmanned Airspace Global Counter-UAS Systems Directory is the world’s only comprehensive, continually updated directory of global C-UAS companies and systems. It itemises over 1,000 C-UAS products and services with performance details, company sales and partnerships arrangements. It is updated every month and broken down into niche sub-sectors (net-capture, missiles, intercept drones, detectors etc) to give C-UAS procurement and industry personnel a unique perspective of global C-UAS technical capabilities and market positions. It is available in word, PDF and excel formats and Unmanned Airspace readers are eligible for a range of discounts. For more information about the Directory please contact the editor Philip Butterworth-Hayes at philip@unmannedairspace.info.
