Australia’s EOS Prepares Satellite-Burning Laser Demo as Global Race for Counter-Space Weapons Heats Up

Sydney / London / Washington, D.C : At the DSEI defence expo, Australia’s Electro Optic Systems (EOS) revealed plans for a high-power laser designed to burn through disabled satellites in orbit to accelerate their reentry and reduce space debris. CEO Andreas Schwer confirmed the technology has already been validated in orbit with trials proving precise power focus. A first public demonstration is expected within the next 18 months.

EOS already has one undisclosed customer and is seeking interest from NATO members and allies. The company is examining both fixed and mobile versions. By either burning through a satellite’s structure or using “photonic drag” to slow it, the system could deorbit a disabled spacecraft within about a month.

Other Nations Developing Similar Systems

China
China has invested heavily in ground-based and airborne laser facilities aimed at dazzling, blinding, or potentially burning satellite sensors. The Bohu facility in Xinjiang is a core part of its program. U.S. assessments suggest that current Chinese lasers capable of degrading sensors may evolve into destructive power systems during the mid-to-late 2020s.

Russia
Russia continues developing directed-energy systems such as the “Sokol-Eshelon” airborne laser, based on the Beriev A-60 aircraft, designed to target satellite optics. Alongside electronic warfare systems and proximity-capable satellites, Moscow is suspected of advancing new destructive ASAT weapons. Intelligence reports indicate these could be nearing operational readiness in the coming years.

United States
The U.S. maintains active research into space-based and ground-based directed-energy weapons through DARPA and other agencies. Focused largely on defensive and countermeasure roles, American high-power laser systems are still in advanced R&D phases. Analysts project demonstrator systems with potential destructive capability could appear by the late 2020s.

Other States
India, France, Japan, Israel, South Korea, Iran, North Korea, and the United Kingdom are all pursuing various counter-space technologies. The U.K.’s “DragonFire” laser is being developed primarily for naval use but could lay the groundwork for future satellite-targeting applications, with an expected entry into service around 2027. France and Japan focus more on non-destructive satellite defense and space situational awareness but are expanding research into high-energy systems.

Strategic Implications

Directed-energy systems offer an alternative to destructive kinetic ASAT weapons, potentially reducing debris but raising major legal and strategic questions. The Outer Space Treaty bans weapons of mass destruction in orbit, yet leaves ambiguity around lasers and other directed-energy tools. With several major powers pushing toward operational capability within this decade, competition in the counter-space domain is intensifying rapidly.

If EOS succeeds with its demonstration in the next 18 months, Australia could become the first nation to publicly field a system designed to burn through satellites for controlled deorbiting. This development adds momentum to a global race where China, Russia, the U.S., and others are already advancing their own laser-based anti-satellite programs.