Germany eyes Australian laser tech for drone defense

Germany's defense forces are set to potentially acquire sophisticated laser weapon systems from Australian firm EOS, specifically for defending warships against drones. This move comes as Germany and Australia solidify a partnership to bolster space security.

A significant bilateral agreement, signed recently in Canberra, establishes a joint network of sensors to create a global early-warning system. This system is designed to detect and counter satellite sabotage. The pact also facilitates the exchange of crucial data regarding potentially hostile maneuvers in space.

German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius underscored the escalating threats in the space domain, citing China and Russia as direct neighbors with expanding offensive capabilities. He stressed the necessity of vigilance to protect vital satellite infrastructure, noting that Germany plans substantial investments in space systems over the next five years.

During his visit, Pistorius also toured EOS, a company renowned for its laser technologies. EOS offers systems like Apollo, capable of neutralizing numerous drones per minute affordably, and Atlas, which can disable satellites using high-powered lasers.