EOS Unveils R500 Remote Weapon System at IDEX 2025 with Advanced AI and C-UAS Capabilities

Electro Optic Systems (EOS), the Australian defence technology company, has officially introduced its latest Remote Weapon System (RWS), the R500, at the International Defence Exhibition & Conference (IDEX 2025) in Abu Dhabi. The system represents a significant leap in firepower, precision, and adaptability, specifically designed for modern battlefield conditions where emerging threats, including drones, pose a major challenge.

Next-Generation Firepower and Versatility

The R500 is an evolution of the R400, a widely deployed and battle-proven RWS. While maintaining its core modularity, the R500 enhances weapon compatibility, ammunition capacity, and operational effectiveness. It can integrate multiple weapons, including heavy machine guns, automatic grenade launchers, and anti-tank guided missiles (ATGMs), making it highly adaptable to diverse mission requirements.

One of its standout features is its high-capacity ammunition stowage, ensuring sustained combat performance with minimal reload interruptions. The system is also designed for quick reconfiguration, allowing forces to switch weapon configurations based on mission needs.

Advanced Targeting and Counter-UAS Capabilities

With battlefield threats evolving, EOS has equipped the R500 with state-of-the-art targeting and surveillance technology. The system integrates:

• AI-powered fire control and tracking algorithms for precision targeting.
• High-resolution electro-optical and infrared sensors to detect and engage threats in all weather conditions.
• Integrated Counter-Unmanned Aerial System (C-UAS) radar, allowing the R500 to identify and neutralize drone threats efficiently.
• STANAG Level 2 add-on armour, providing increased survivability against enemy attacks.

These upgrades ensure that the R500 offers enhanced situational awareness, giving operators the ability to identify, track, and engage threats with high accuracy before they become critical.

Unmanned Ground Vehicle (UGV) Integration and Remote Operation

Another groundbreaking feature of the R500 is its full compatibility with Unmanned Ground Vehicles (UGVs). The system includes an advanced wireless control suite, allowing operators to remotely command the weapon system from a safe distance. This integration reduces risks to personnel while enabling precise and effective firepower in high-threat environments.

Additionally, the high-performance edge AI hardware embedded within the system enables autonomous operation capabilities, making the R500 one of the most advanced RWS solutions in the industry.

Global Adoption and Regional Expansion

EOS’ Remote Weapon Systems are widely used by militaries across Australia, North America, Europe, the Middle East, and South-East Asia. More than 2,500 units have been sold globally, with over 500 systems actively deployed by the Emirati Armed Forces. Since 2019, EOS' technology centre in Abu Dhabi has played a vital role in supporting military forces in the region, ensuring maintenance, upgrades, and operational support.

With the launch of the R500 at IDEX 2025, EOS reaffirms its commitment to providing cutting-edge, AI-powered defence solutions that meet the growing challenges of modern warfare. The system’s increased firepower, enhanced targeting, and counter-drone capabilities position it as a game-changer in the global defence market.