Australia to sell over-the-horizon radar technology to Canada for Arctic surveillance
Australia has signed a deal with Canada for A$2.5 billion, or about $1.75 billion, for the sale of over-the-horizon radar technology. The contract is the largest defense export deal in Australian history.
This is the first overseas sale of Australian Over-the-Horizon Radar technology. Canada plans to deploy the systems in the Arctic to strengthen control over the strategic region and increase the ability to detect potential threats early.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said that the agreement creates the basis for deeper and mutually beneficial cooperation in the defense industries of the two countries. For Ottawa, Arctic security is of particular importance, as this region covers about 40% of Canada’s territory, but remains sparsely populated and has limited infrastructure.
The Canadian North borders the Russian Arctic zone across the ocean, as well as the US state of Alaska. That is why Ottawa plans to integrate Australian developments into a broader Arctic surveillance and communications network.
Canada’s Secretary of State for Defence Acquisition, Stephen Furr, noted that the new systems should increase the country’s ability to monitor, analyze and respond quickly to activity in the Arctic. The technology underlying the Australian Jindalee Operational Radar Network system allows you to detect aircraft, ships, cruise and ballistic missiles at a distance of up to 3,000 kilometers.
For Australia, the implementation of the contract will also have an economic effect, in particular by creating new jobs. The agreement was the first stage of a broader program of cooperation between Canberra and Ottawa in the field of radar technology.
