BAE/EOS Slinger Counter-Drone System Lands $124 Million Gulf Deal
A new $124 million counter-drone deal has been announced. According to The Defense Post, it covers Australian defence company EOS’s (Electro Optic Systems) Slinger counter-UAS system.
| System | Slinger counter-drone (C-UAS) |
| Maker | EOS (Electro Optic Systems) |
| Value | $124 million |
| Region | Gulf |
| Threat | Low-cost drones and UAVs |
| Date | 23 June 2026 |
Gulf Demand for Counter-Drone
Built on a remote weapon station with an autocannon and an optical/sensor package, Slinger is designed to detect and neutralise low-altitude drones and UAVs. Conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East have exposed the threat posed by cheap drones.
After regional tensions, Gulf states are turning to layered counter-drone solutions to protect critical sites and airspace. Cost-effective gun-based systems defend without spending expensive missiles on cheap targets.
Cost-Effective Defence
The $124 million deal reflects rising demand for gun-based counter-drone systems, which engage swarms of cheap drones at low cost per round.
A counter-drone architecture typically combines radar, electro-optical sensors, electronic warfare and a hard-kill (gun/missile) layer; Slinger represents the hard-kill gun layer.
Why It Matters for Turkey
Counter-drone is a strength of Turkey’s defence industry. With KORKUT 35 mm air defence, the İHTAR anti-drone system, GÖKER and laser/electronic-warfare solutions, Turkey offers a broad portfolio in low-altitude air defence.
This Gulf demand is a direct opportunity for Turkish systems. Growing regional interest strengthens the export potential of KORKUT and İHTAR — Turkey can field missile, gun and soft-kill (EW) layers domestically.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Slinger?
A remote-weapon-station-based counter-drone (C-UAS) system developed by Australia’s EOS.
Why a gun-based system?
It engages cheap drones at low cost per round instead of expending costly missiles.
Turkey’s equivalent?
Yes — KORKUT 35 mm, the İHTAR anti-drone system and laser/EW solutions.
Bottom Line
The $124 million Slinger deal shows surging Gulf counter-drone demand. Turkey offers a strong alternative with indigenous systems like KORKUT and İHTAR.
Sources
- The Defense Post — deal detail
