Dutch MoD and EOS sign LOI on development of company's HEL into operational C-UAS

The Dutch MoD and EOS have signed an LOI on the development of the company's Apollo HEL into an operational C-UAS. (EOS)

The Dutch Ministry of Defence (MoD) and Electro Optic Systems (EOS) announced on 24 September 2026 that they had signed a letter of intent (LOI) on the development of the company's high energy laser (HEL) into an operational counter-unmanned aircraft system (C-UAS). The LOI was signed by State Secretary for Defence Derk Boswijk during the week of 21 September.

Under the LOI, the Dutch MoD and EOS plan to explore whether the company's Apollo High Energy Laser Weapon (HELW) can become a fully operational weapon system for the Netherlands. The Dutch MoD said on its website that EOS intends in principle to develop and produce the system in the Netherlands, basing the European headquarters of EOS in the country. The two signatories will explore a production facility in the Netherlands, supported by a Dutch-led European supply chain, with the Dutch MoD procuring laser weapon systems.

EOS said the 100 kW-class Apollo HELW converts energy into a high-power laser beam and has proved highly effective against unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). According to EOS, Apollo is scalable to 150 kW and is designed to defeat class 1-3 UAVs and disrupt their sensors. It provides 360° coverage, including vertical engagements, unlimited shots with external power, and more than 200 stored engagements when isolated, EOS said.

Apollo can be containerised or vehicle mounted and fielded as a stand-alone weapon or integrated into a layered C-UAS defence alongside kinetic effectors. EOS said it is designed to connect with NATO command and control and integrated air defence systems.