In a significant change in modern warfare, Australia’s advanced laser technology will become NATO’s latest defense tool against enemy drones. This technology provides a cost-effective and efficient alternative to traditional weapons such as missiles and cannons.
The high-powered laser, dubbed Apollo, is designed to counter the growing threat of drones, particularly those used in recent attacks by Russia in Ukraine and other European regions. Capable of destroying up to 20 drones per minute at a minimal cost of just $1 per shot, the Apollo offers a dramatic leap in affordability and speed over conventional air defense systems, which often use expensive missiles to take out a single target.
Developed by Electric Optic Systems (EOS) in Canberra, Australia, the Apollo laser uses electricity to heat a target with light particles, which then burn through the structure of the drone, causing it to disintegrate or explode. This process, known as “thermal destruction,” has made the technology an attractive solution for NATO countries seeking to defend against cheap, mass-produced drones that have increasingly become a feature of modern warfare.
According to EOS CEO Andreas Schwer, the Apollo offers a key advantage: while a single drone might cost $1,000 to produce, a missile capable of destroying that drone can cost up to $500,000. “It’s fast becoming an economic war, and the only option for the defender is to have cheaper solutions to destroy those drones,” Schwer explained. The Apollo laser fits this need, providing a more cost-effective defense method to counter these threats.
The effectiveness of the Apollo laser comes at a critical time. Russia’s use of drones has escalated, with attacks reaching beyond Ukraine into neighboring Poland and other NATO-member nations. The rising frequency of these incursions has highlighted the urgent need for efficient, scalable air defense systems that can protect against drone swarms—especially given the substantial cost of missile-based systems.
While laser technology is still developing, it offers a new way to address the high costs of drone defense. Traditional weapons, such as the U.S.-made Patriot missile system, cost over $1 billion to purchase and use million-dollar missiles for each strike. The Apollo provides an attractive alternative. It can target up to 20 drones per minute and has a range of up to 6 km, making it useful for both battlefield and strategic defense.
Despite their promise, lasers do have limitations. Weather conditions like rain, humidity, and fog can affect their accuracy, and lasers cannot reach targets that are obstructed by hills or terrain. Nevertheless, the laser technology’s ability to fire directly upwards—something traditional weapons often struggle to do—gives it an edge in protecting critical infrastructure, such as airports, airbases, and even nuclear power plants.
NATO has already expressed interest in incorporating laser defense systems into its security measures. A Western European NATO country has reportedly purchased the Australian laser, with more nations expected to follow suit. The Apollo laser, which costs tens of millions of dollars per system, is expected to be delivered to the NATO country within the next 18 months, and the price could decrease if multiple units are purchased. According to Dr. Schwer, this system could eventually be sold globally, including to nations in Europe, the Middle East, and East Asia.
The Apollo laser joins other systems being developed by countries like Israel. Israel is preparing to use its own laser-based Iron Beam system to defend against smaller, cheaper threats like drones and rockets. The Iron Beam, similar to the Apollo, aims to support current missile defense systems and offer a cost-effective way to deal with short-range aerial threats.
The increasing use of laser technology marks an important change in military strategy, particularly in ongoing conflicts like the war in Ukraine. With the rising need for quick and affordable drone defense, countries around the world are starting to recognize how lasers can protect their airspace and infrastructure without excessive costs.
As Dr. Schwer notes, “Progressively more nations will feel they need these kinds of systems to protect their critical infrastructure, even as far away as Australia.” As the laser defense market expands, it’s clear that Australia’s Apollo laser could be at the forefront of the next generation of air defense technology.
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