2026 AGM Chair's Address
Released
Released
Announcement PDF
ASX RELEASE
2026 Annual General Meeting – Chair’s Address
Sydney, 19 May 2026
Electro Optic Systems Holdings Limited (EOS or Company) (ASX: EOS) provides the
attached Chair’s address to be delivered at today’s Annual General Meeting commencing at
10.00am AEST at the offices of MinterEllison, Level 40, Governor Macquarie Tower, 1
Farrer Place, Sydney NSW 2000.
Authorised for release by the Chair of the board of Electro Optic Systems Holdings
Limited.
Further information:
Investor Relations
ir@eos-aus.com
ABOUT ELECTRO OPTIC SYSTEMS (ASX:EOS)
EOS operates in two divisions: Defence Systems and Space Systems
Defence Systems specialises in technology for weapon systems optimisation and integration, as well
as ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance) and C4 systems for land warfare. Its key
products offered include next-generation remote weapon systems, vehicle turrets, high-energy laser
weapons (directed energy), as well as fully integrated and modular counter-UAS and C4 systems.
Space Systems specialises in applying EOS-developed optical sensors and effectors to detect, track
and characterise objects in space. It includes capabilities in the domain of space control.
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Electro Optic Systems Holdings Limited
Annual General Meeting 2026
Board Chair’s Address – Mr Garry Hounsell
Thank you, and good morning shareholders.
I am pleased to welcome you to the 2026 Annual General Meeting of Electro Optic
Systems Holdings Limited.
The last year has been a defining year for EOS.
Over the past three years, the Board and management set out to fundamentally reset the
Company — its strategy, its leadership, its balance sheet and its operating discipline. In
2025, that turnaround was completed.
In 2026, EOS has started the next phase of growth, as a focused, globally relevant
defence and space technology company.
***
Global context
The geopolitical environment remains complex and volatile.
The war in Europe continues, conflict in the Middle East remains acute, and strategic
competition between major powers is intensifying. Defence planners around the world
are responding with large investments in defence. Our customers need defence
capabilities that are e ective, deployable, and economically sustainable.
At the same time, the use of low-cost drones and the growing contest in the space
domain are reshaping conflict and national security.
While these global developments are deeply concerning, they underscore the relevance
of EOS’ core technologies: counter-drone systems, directed energy weapons, remote
weapon systems and space control technology.
***
Completion of the EOS transformation
In previous years, shareholders heard about the execution of a turnaround plan.
Today, I can clearly state: that transformation is complete.
During 2025:
EOS divested its non-core EM Solutions business;
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The balance sheet was strengthened; and
Strategic focus shifted decisively - from remediation to growth.
EOS finished 2025 with strong cash reserves and a strong and diverse order book. This
provides the foundation to pursue opportunities ahead with discipline and confidence.
***
Operational and commercial progress
The past year delivered several landmark achievements.
Most notably, EOS secured the world’s first export contract for a 100-kilowatt high energy
laser defence system. This was a defining moment — not only for EOS, but for the broader
defence industry. It validated over a decade of sustained investment in directed energy
technology and established EOS as a global leader in this field.
Following that success, EOS formally launched Apollo, this is the brand name for our
scalable family of high energy laser weapon systems. We have commenced production
from our new Singapore facility — with the team of experts we have brought together, this
is a truly unique facility.
Across the broader defence portfolio:
Remote weapon system sales continued across Australia, Europe, North America
and the Middle East;
EOS secured new NATO and allied orders for counter-drone systems; and
Our order backlog grew materially to $459 million at December 2025, providing
strong forward visibility.
InSpace Systems, EOS transitioned from a space domain awareness focus toward space
control, culminating in the launch of our Atlas capability. This positions the Company to
address emerging sovereign and allied space security requirements over the long term.
***
From component supplier to systems integrator
In January 2026, EOS announced an agreement to acquire MARSS, a Europe-based
command-and-control and AI software company. This is a specialised counter-drone
software business.
This acquisition— once completed in a few days— represents a strategic step change.
It enables EOS to evolve from a supplier of individual e ectors into a provider of
integrated, turnkey counter-drone systems. It also opens markets in homeland security,
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critical infrastructure and asset protection, where demand for layered, intelligent
counter-drone defence solutions continues to grow.
The Board views this as a disciplined, capability-led acquisition that strengthens EOS’
software, AI and systems integration expertise while deepening our presence in Europe.
***
Growth Capital
The Board believes that the growth outlook for EOS is strong.
To take advantage of the potential growth opportunities, EOS is undertaking a placement
to raise new equity. The process remains ongoing.
In addition, we will conduct an SPP o er to provide our eligible shareholders the
opportunity to participate in these growth opportunities.
The Board will supervise the deployment of this new capital with a view to delivering
returns for shareholders.
***
Financial discipline and governance
While the strategic outlook is compelling, the Board remains firmly focused on
disciplined execution.
Defence programs operate over long cycles. Contract timing is variable. Capital must be
allocated carefully. Governance, compliance and controls are paramount.
The events of earlier years reinforced the importance of strong governance and
transparency. The Board has acted decisively to embed those lessons, and we remain
committed to maintaining the confidence of shareholders, customers and regulators
alike.
***
Outlook
EOS now has:
A strong and liquid balance sheet;
A materially expanded order book;
World-leading technologies now entering commercial scale; and
A clear strategy aligned with enduring global demand.
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While challenges remain — as they do in any complex, high-technology defence business
— your Board is confident that EOS is positioned to deliver sustainable growth over the
coming years.
***
Closing
On behalf of the Board, I thank our employees across Australia, Europe, Asia, the Middle
East and North America for their professionalism and dedication. Their work has
transformed EOS into the company it is today.
I also thank our shareholders for their patience and continued support through what has
been a demanding but ultimately rewarding period.
EOS now looks forward — focused, financially strong, and globally relevant.
I will now hand over to Andreas, our Managing Director and CEO, who will provide further
detail on our operations, financial position and outlook.
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