The UK and Australia are set to increase cooperation on cutting-edge radar technology following a new agreement signed today in Canberra. The statement of intent involves UK firm QinetiQ and Australian firm CEA Technologies, with both governments and industries working together on advanced radar systems, specifically Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) technology.
This collaboration aims to boost growth across both countries' defence industries, strengthen supply chains, and open export opportunities. The work builds on the Australia-UK Ministerial Consultations (AUKMIN) agreement reached in June.
Minister for Defence Readiness and Industry, Luke Pollard MP, welcomed the agreement during his visit to Australia and New Zealand. He stated that the radar agreement demonstrates the partnership's practical benefits, including industry engagement, technology for armed forces, and deepening trust between the nations. Mr Pollard also met with Australian Defence Industry Minister Pat Conroy at CEA Technologies.
The signing is part of a week-long visit by Minister Pollard to the Indo-Pacific, which also includes engagements on critical minerals and defence capability with other Australian ministers. He is also scheduled to visit Henderson Shipyard in Western Australia, where AUKUS-linked investment is supporting skills development.