EOS Defense Systems USA, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Electro Optic Systems Holdings, held a special unveiling on 29 October of the first complete R400 remote weapon station (RWS) produced at its Huntsville, Alabama high-tech facility. The one hour event was broadcast live and attended by a mix of in-person and virtual Australian and US distinguished guests. The unveiling kicked off with a message of unity from Washington-based Australian Ambassador Arthur Sinodinus.
Also attending in person or virtually were Governor Kay Ivey of Alabama; Secretary Greg Canfield, secretary of Commerce for Alabama; Mayor Tommy Battle, Dale Strong, chairman Madison County Commission and Kevin Byrnes, Huntsville/Madison Chamber of Commerce. Ivey said, “Huntsville continues to demonstrate that Alabama is at the forefront of the United States’ aerospace and defence contracting industries. The unveiling of EOS Defense Systems’ R400 Remote Weapons System is symbolic of the commitment they made in calling Alabama their home just two years ago, and I am eager to see what the future holds for this world-class contracting firm in our great state.”
Joining the celebrations from Australia, founder and Group CEO for Electro Optic Systems, Dr Ben Greene said, “The city of Huntsville was chosen to be the home of EOS Defense Systems USA because it is a wonderful community environment that services a dynamic centre of excellence for all of the US Defence and Space agencies that are key customers of the EOS Group. The State, Region and City are fully committed to supporting high technology business and our relationship with each of these civic elements has been excellent right from the start.”
EOS secured the 80,000 square-foot facility in Huntsville in 2018 for the US expansion of its space, missile defence, and weapon system businesses. Starting initially with just six employees, the company has grown to 60 staff and the facility has scale to grow to at least 250 employees. The plant capacity will initially be 50 units/month with substantial scope for expansion once the supply chain is fully established.
At the ceremony, the facility’s very first RWS ‘number one’ was unveiled; a R400S-Mk2-D-HD mounted on the Polaris Dagor. The first RWS to roll off the production line will be delivered under purchase order and awarded through the Tailored Logistics Support Program – Special Operational Equipment (TLSP-SOE) to the US Army to support the United States Army Combat Capabilities Development Command – Armaments Center (CCDC-AC) Joint Center of Excellence for Lethality at Picatinny Arsenal. The purchase order was received on April 30, 2020 from Darley Defense and is in support of CCDC-AC.
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