Australia's EOS upgrades combat vehicles with firepower systems

An Australian Army Hawkei protected mobility vehicle featuring a remote weapon system from EOS. (Commonwealth of Australia)

Canberra-based Electro Optic Systems (EOS) has upgraded the Australian Army's combat vehicles with its remote and autonomous firepower systems.

EOS showcased the vehicles at the Army Robotics Expo (ARX) 2023 held in late August in Perth.

The vehicles upgraded comprised the M113AS4 armoured logistics vehicle (ALV), Hawkei protected mobility vehicle (PMV), Supacat 6×6 high mobility transporter (HMT) Extenda Mk 2, and Warfighter unmanned ground vehicle (UGV).

The company upgraded the M113 and the Hawkei by installing an EOS R400 remote weapon system (RWS) with a 12.7 mm M2 machine gun.

An EOS spokesperson told Janes that the company is working with the Australian Army's Robotic and Autonomous Systems Implementation and Coordination Office (RICO) on the M113 and the Hawkei as part of their robotic and autonomous systems (RAS) strategy.

As part of the RAS strategy, the RICO aims to leverage emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), autonomy, and robotics to gain an operational advantage.

In addition, the company armed the Extenda Mk 2 with two R400 RWSs, one with a 30 mm gun and a Javelin anti-tank guided missile, and the other with a 70 mm Hydra Rocket Pod capable of firing 23 laser-guided advanced precision kill weapon systems (APKWSs).

“All three vehicles are in service with the Australian Army in their standard configuration; the ones on show were configured for autonomous/remote use and are in the trial phase,” the spokesperson added.

The company also showcased a Warfighter UGV equipped with an EOS R150 RWS.

According to Janes Land Warfare Platforms: Firepower, Survivability & Mobility,