Australia sells advanced radar to Canada in $1.8 bn deal

Email: online@newsofbahrain.com

SDYNEY: Australia has finalized a record A$2.5 billion (US$1.8 billion) deal to export its sophisticated over-the-horizon radar technology to Canada, marking the first international sale of this advanced system. This agreement stands as the largest defense export in Australian history.

Defence Minister Richard Marles hailed the agreement as a ‘historic moment’ for both nations. He emphasised that the deal establishes a ‘significant strategic dimension’ to the bilateral relationship, creating a long-term partnership for the future development of the technology.

The radar system, which Marles described as the ‘backbone’ of Australia’s northern surveillance, works by refracting high-frequency waves off the ionosphere to detect targets beyond the Earth's curvature.

Canada plans to utilize this technology to bolster Arctic domain awareness and continental defense. Beyond its tactical advantages, the collaboration is projected to support approximately 300 technical jobs in Australia and nearly 2,300 annual jobs in Canada over the next five years. 

Additionally, Marles noted that the partnership includes hundreds of millions in research and development investment, ensuring ongoing innovation as both nations address shifting global strategic realities.