Imagine a weapon that can take out an entire swarm of drones in seconds without firing a single bullet. That’s the idea behind Australia’s new Apollo laser system. Developed by Electro Optic Systems (EOS), it’s a high-energy laser weapon designed to neutralize drones quickly and efficiently.
It sounds like something straight out of science fiction, but Apollo is very real and it could change the way nations defend against drone threats.
What Is Australia’s Apollo Death Ray
Apollo is a high-powered laser weapon built to detect, track, and destroy drones. Unlike traditional missiles, it works by focusing an intense beam of light on a drone’s critical components, causing them to overheat and fail.
This is important because drones are cheap, fast, and increasingly used in warfare and surveillance. Shooting them down with conventional weapons is costly and inefficient. Apollo changes that equation, making drone defense far more cost-effective.
When Australia Developed the Apollo Laser Weapon
EOS has been working on high-energy laser technologies for several years. Apollo, however, was officially revealed in 2025, showcasing a fully operational system capable of taking on multiple drones simultaneously.
The first international export contract for Apollo was signed shortly after its unveiling with a European NATO country. The weapon is expected to be delivered and operational by 2026–2028.
| Year | Milestone |
|---|---|
| 2023 | Early prototype tests of high-energy lasers |
| 2025 | Apollo system officially unveiled |
| 2025 | First export contract signed |
| 2026–2028 | Operational deployment expected |
How the Apollo Laser Weapon Works – Explained Simply
Apollo works in three steps: detection, targeting, and destruction. Advanced sensors and cameras detect incoming drones. Once locked, the laser focuses on key components like motors or cameras until the drone is disabled.
The system can fire lasers ranging from 50 to 150 kilowatts, capable of neutralizing drones up to 3 kilometers away. It can engage more than 20 drones per minute and store enough energy for over 200 attacks before needing a recharge.
Why Apollo Could Revolutionize Drone Defense
The biggest advantage of Apollo is cost-efficiency. Destroying a $500 drone with a $100,000 missile is wasteful, but a laser beam costs mere cents in electricity.
It’s also safer for urban areas and military bases because it doesn’t produce explosive debris. Apollo can protect airports, power plants, military installations, and even ships with precision and minimal collateral risk.
Where Apollo Can Be Deployed
Apollo is modular and versatile. It can be mounted on trucks or armored vehicles for mobility, installed on ships for naval defense, or stationed at critical infrastructure sites like airports and power plants.
Its containerized design allows for quick deployment, often taking just a few hours to set up. It can also integrate with radar and command systems for automated defense.
Common Misunderstandings About Laser Weapons
Contrary to what movies show, lasers don’t instantly slice through metal. They disable drones by heating critical parts over several seconds.
Weather conditions like rain, fog, or smoke can scatter the laser beam and reduce its effectiveness. That’s why Apollo is often paired with conventional weapons to ensure all-weather coverage.
While the per-shot cost is low, the system itself is expensive to build and maintain, requiring advanced cooling and stable power sources.
The Latest Updates on Apollo
In 2025, EOS demonstrated Apollo’s ability to take down multiple drones in rapid succession. International interest is growing, particularly from Europe, the Middle East, and the Indo-Pacific.
EOS plans to enhance Apollo’s power and adaptability, including naval integrations and higher energy models for the coming years.
Conclusion
Apollo is a glimpse into the future of modern defense. It’s fast, precise, and cost-effective, capable of neutralizing drone swarms in seconds.
While it won’t replace all traditional weapons yet, Apollo marks a major leap forward in energy-based defense, offering nations a smarter way to protect critical infrastructure and combat emerging threats.
When will Apollo be deployed internationally?
Operational deployment for the first export contract is expected between 2026 and 2028.
What types of drones can Apollo destroy?
It’s designed to take out small to medium drones, particularly swarms that overwhelm conventional defenses.
Why is it called the “death ray”?
The nickname comes from its ability to silently destroy drones using a concentrated laser beam, reminiscent of sci-fi “death rays.”
How powerful is the Apollo laser?
The system can operate between 50 and 150 kilowatts, enough to disable drones several kilometers away.
Can Apollo work in all weather conditions?
Heavy rain, fog, or smoke can reduce its effectiveness, but it remains reliable under most clear conditions.