Assistant Minister for Defence Matt Thistlethwaite has officially launched an Australian-made counter-drone, the “Slinger” 30mm cannon.

Minister Thistlethwaite made the announcement at the Electro Optic Systems (EOS) Defence Systems manufacturing facility in Canberra on 12 May.

EOS Defence Systems executive vice-president Matt Jones said EOS was excited to launch the Slinger in response to growing international demand for advanced counter-drone technologies.

“This is a big day for Australia, the Slinger is a cutting-edge capability that demonstrates Australian innovation can lead the world in response to global security needs,” said Jones.

“We have applied the hard-won lessons from the battlefields, including Ukraine, to our Slinger system, ensuring it will give real edge to those looking to hit back against the growing threat of drones.”

The Slinger incorporates a radar, a 30mm cannon with specifically designed ammunition, and EOS’ proprietary stabilisation and pointing technology for counter-drone operations.

It can track and discriminately engage moving drones at a range of more than 800 metres, with unique ammunition, making it suitable for use in built-up environments.

The Slinger has been designed and developed in Australia specifically for export markets, with a focus on addressing contemporary and emerging threats based on lessons learned in recent conflicts, such as Ukraine.