EOTECH has unveiled the HWS CUAS (Counter Unmanned Aircraft Sight), a new holographic sight designed for rapid engagement of unmanned aerial vehicles. The device was developed for use against both stationary and moving targets, addressing the growing significance of small and relatively inexpensive drones that pose a threat to military installations and critical infrastructure. The CUAS will be available in two configurations.
The most important element of the new sight is a reticle developed specifically for counter-drone applications. At its center is a dot surrounded by partially broken circles, with their geometry intended to facilitate rapid aiming at a stationary object. For moving targets, the designers added additional reference points that allow the shooter to apply lead without having to estimate it in the conventional manner each time.
The manufacturer provides an example involving a target moving at 30 mph, or approximately 48 km/h, crossing the field of view at a 90-degree angle. At a distance of 50 m, the user is supposed to use the inner left or right reference point, placing it on the target. At a distance of 90 m, the outer chevrons serve as the reference points. The solution is therefore intended to allow the shooter to determine more quickly where the reticle should be placed relative to a moving drone.
According to EOTECH, such an elaborate reticle is also one of the main reasons for using holographic technology, which allows all potential aiming points to remain in focus in the target plane regardless of the size and shape of the reticle as a whole. The manufacturer also highlights the wide field of view and very limited parallax characteristic of holographic reticle projection.
The EXPS3 version features controls positioned on the side of the housing, which is intended to facilitate use with night vision devices and magnifiers. The sight is also equipped with an adjustable and locking quick-detach lever, while its height provides lower 1/3 co-witness with mechanical sights. The second variant, the XPS3, has rear-mounted controls, offers absolute co-witness height, and uses a 7/64-inch hex-head cross bolt intended for more secure mounting.
Both variants are designed for mounting on 1-inch Weaver or MIL-STD-1913 rails. The CUAS offers 20 brightness settings for use in daylight and 10 levels compatible with night vision devices. Adjustment increment is 0.5 MOA. The sight is powered by a single CR123 battery, with a claimed runtime of 1,000 hours at nominal brightness level 4 and room temperature.
The EXPS3 measures 96.5 x 58.4 x 65 mm and weighs 317.5 g. The smaller XPS3 measures 96.5 x 53.3 x 64 mm and weighs 255 g. Both versions are designed to withstand immersion in water to a depth of 10 m. The devices are manufactured in the United States, in Plymouth, Michigan.
EOTECH announced the HWS CUAS on August 10, 2026. At the time of publication, the manufacturer had not disclosed pricing or the start of deliveries, and the sight had not yet been added to the official product lineup.
Photos: Rifle Configurator, Eotech
