EOS acquires remainder of MARSS group

Canberra-based Electro Optic Systems Holdings Limited, EOS, has announced an agreement to acquire the UK-based MARSS group business for US$36 million ($54 million); subject to customer, regulator and other approvals the sale should be completed this year.

MARSS is a UK-based provider of Command and Control (C2) systems which are critical for effectively countering drones. Its proprietary C2 technology, NiDAR, provides advanced AI-enabled decision making and sensor-effector orchestration to rapidly counter asymmetric drone threats. NiDAR integrates multiple systems, correlates threats, and orchestrates coordinated responses across domains, delivering faster detection, decision-making, and action through a single interface. To cope with attack situations with large swarms of drones, the NiDAR system can be configured to operate autonomously.

EOS says it plans to embed NiDAR into its existing Remote Weapon System (RWS) product range. It is envisaged that this will create the ability for the systems to form a mesh-network, providing the client’s vehicle fleet hemispherical coverage against drone attacks – a new feature in today’s market

In November last year EOS acquired MARSS’s Uncrewed Aerial System (UAS) interceptor business for €5.5 million ($10 million). This transaction means EOS has acquired the entire company as part of its transformation from a component supplier to an integrated counter-UAS provider, with strong software and AI capabilities, said EOS in a media release.

Established in 2006, MARSS is a defence and security technology company developing and marketing sensor-fusion technology and AI-enabled C2 systems, primarily for counter-UAS use.

As well as MARSS’ NiDAR C2 technology the acquisition includes sensor-fusion and AI software and hardware, significantly strengthening EOS’ in-house AI/software development capability.

Importantly, says EOS, it creates an integrated, end-to-end solution for countering drones – Detect; Identify; Decide; and Defeat – allowing EOS to act as a true counter-drone system provider and to compete for larger, higher-value programs as a Prime Contractor. This includes the delivery and operation of turn-key solutions for the protection of critical infrastructure in the military, homeland security and civil domain, such as airports or power plants

The purchase also expands EOS’s geographic footprint and broadens its end market presence, with scope to leverage MARSS’ defence, homeland security and civil relationships, the company says.