National
Australia Signs Record $1.7B Radar Deal With Canada
Australia has secured its largest-ever defence export agreement, signing a A$2.5 billion (US$1.75 billion) deal with Canada to supply its Over-the-Horizon Radar technology. The system will strengthen Arctic surveillance capabilities, create around 300 jobs in Australia, and marks the first international sale of the advanced radar technology.
Australia will sell advanced long-range radar to Canada under a A$2.5 billion ($1.75 billion) deal, Australia’s largest defence export agreement by value.
It is the first overseas sale of that Over-the-Horizon Radar capability for Australia and will help enable Canada to enhance surveillance across its northern Arctic while also providing savings through enhanced air control.
Over-the-Horizon Radar for Enhancing Arctic Security
It will include Australia’s Over-the-Horizon Radar technology, an over-the-horizon radar system that can detect and track aircraft, ships and missiles at long range. At a stretch, Australia’s Jindalee Operational Radar Network can identify targets at 3,000 kilometres (1,864 kilometres over land).
Canadian officials noted that the technology will be in support of the Canadian Arctic Over-the-Horizon Radar project, expanding Canada’s ability to monitor activity across its Arctic region. About 40% of Canada’s landmass falls within its Arctic territory, but it is infrequently populated and infrastructure goes further than the communities.
Australia, Canada Strengthen Defence Ties
The agreement marks a landmark in Aussie defence trade and opens doors for deeper-level defence industry collaboration between the two nations, according to Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.
The radar project fits into a larger system of an overall Arctic surveillance and communications network, said Canada’s Secretary of State for Defence Procurement, Stephen Fuhr. Australia says the deal is the first stage of a broader partnership between both nations on radar technology.
Jobs to be Created in Australia with this Deal
According to the Australian government, the radar agreement is expected to support some 300 jobs nationwide. The agreement, which is the first time that the Over-the-Horizon Radar technology has been sold internationally, is also the largest defence export deal to date between both countries.
Source: Reuters
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