R400 SLINGER Counter Drone System

Full Specifications

The R400 SLINGER Counter Drone System is a mobile kinetic Counter Unmanned Aircraft System (C-UAS) designed to detect, track, and defeat small unmanned aerial systems using precision-guided fire control rather than electronic jamming alone. Developed by Electro Optic Systems (EOS Defence Systems) of Australia, the R400 SLINGER combines the company’s proven R400 remote weapon station with advanced artificial intelligence, electro optical sensors, and radar integration to counter the growing threat posed by commercial and military drones.

Designed for expeditionary operations, air base defense, convoy protection, and critical infrastructure security, the system can be mounted on light tactical vehicles, armored platforms, or stationary installations. Its AI assisted fire control automatically detects, classifies, tracks, and engages aerial threats while reducing ammunition expenditure through highly accurate targeting.

Manufacturer

The system is manufactured by Electro Optic Systems (EOS Defence Systems), an Australian defense company specializing in remote weapon stations, space technologies, and advanced targeting systems. The R400 SLINGER has attracted international interest, including procurement by the Australian Defence Force and export customers seeking affordable counter drone capabilities.

Speed, Range and Armament

Unlike missile based air defense systems, the R400 SLINGER uses a stabilized 30 mm Mk44 Bushmaster II automatic cannon (or compatible cannon depending on customer requirements) equipped with programmable airburst ammunition for engaging drones. The system can also integrate a 7.62 mm coaxial machine gun.

Its effective counter drone engagement range is approximately 2 km against Group 1 and Group 2 drones, while onboard EO/IR sensors identify targets at significantly greater distances when paired with external radar systems. AI enabled tracking allows the weapon station to engage moving aerial targets with high first round hit probability, including drone swarms.

Cost and Operational Use

The exact procurement cost depends on configuration, sensors, and integration platform. Industry estimates place a complete R400 SLINGER weapon module at approximately US$1 million to US$2 million per system, excluding vehicle integration and additional radar packages.

The system is intended for protecting military bases, maneuver forces, logistics hubs, border facilities, and critical national infrastructure where low cost drone threats are increasingly common.