Australia's cutting-edge radar technology has secured a significant foothold on Canadian soil, marking a pivotal moment in the burgeoning defence partnership between the two nations. The £1.38 billion export deal, signed by Australian Defence Minister Richard Marles and Canadian Secretary of State (Defence Procurement) Stephen Fuhr, will see an Australian-designed long-range radar system constructed in Canada – a move that highlights the increasing strategic ties between Canberra and Ottawa.
The agreement represents the first phase of a broader initiative to establish early warning radar coverage from the Canada-US border extending into the Arctic region. This development has far-reaching implications for the security landscape, particularly in light of the escalating tensions between major powers in the region. As Defence Minister Marles noted, the partnership signals a new dimension to Australia and Canada's relationship, with both nations now collaborating on the future development of Over-the-Horizon Radar technology.
The decision to select Australia's radar system over competing US technology has been widely seen as a significant coup for Canberra, particularly given the influence wielded by Washington in defence procurement circles. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney's visit to Australia in March was instrumental in cementing this partnership, with agreements made to enhance cooperation in defence technologies, artificial intelligence, and critical minerals.
The Australian radar system has been decades in development, utilising an innovative method that refracts high-frequency electromagnetic waves off the ionosphere. This allows for detection of distant objects beyond the range of conventional radars, offering a significant technological advantage for Arctic surveillance. The system's capabilities will be particularly valuable in monitoring the region's rapidly changing security environment.
The £1.38 billion deal marks Australia's largest ever defence export, surpassing its previous record of a £700 million agreement signed with Germany in 2024 to supply Boxer heavy weapon carrier vehicles. BAE Systems Australia has confirmed its support for both governments in the development and implementation of the Arctic Over-the-Horizon Radar.