Source: Royal Australian Air ForceCanada has announced plans to purchase a new Arctic over-the-horizon radar (A-OTHR) system from BAE Systems Australia for more than CAD 6 billion ($4 billion). The system, known as the Jindalee Over-the-Horizon Radar (JORN), will track air and maritime threats over long distances in the Arctic region.
The surprise announcement followed a conversation between Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. Shortly thereafter, Carney traveled to Australia to formally announce the deal.
The radar acquisition is part of Canada’s broader North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) modernization efforts, which include the installation of two new over-the-horizon radar systems: an Arctic radar to provide early warning from the Canada-U.S. border to the Arctic Circle and a Polar radar to cover the northernmost approaches to North America. The JORN system will fulfill the Arctic radar requirement. Canada estimates the Polar radar could be worth up to CAD5 billion ($3.5 billion). The NORAD modernization plans also includes a classified sensor network called Crossbow, which is expected to enhance airborne threat detection.
The JORN radar sale marks Australia’s largest-ever defense export. At a time when the U.S. is engaging in trade disputes, including with allies like Canada, Albanese emphasized the importance of diversifying Australia’s trade relationships. The U.S. has also expressed interest in JORN for deployment on the West Coast. According to an Australian official, the U.S. was initially expected to be the first export customer, followed by Canada, making the timing of Canada’s purchase unexpected.
The radar system operates by bouncing high-frequency radio waves off the Earth’s ionosphere, enabling it to detect targets up to 3,000 kilometers away.
Canadian radar manufacturer D-TA Systems expressed disappointment over the decision. The company, which specializes in over-the-horizon radar technology, had hoped Ottawa would select a domestic contractor for the new polar radar project.
Shaun's deep-rooted interest in military equipment continues in his role as a senior defense analyst with a focus on the United States. He played an integral role in the development of Forecast International's U.S. Defense Budget Forecast, an interactive online product that tracks Pentagon acquisition programs throughout the congressional budget process. As editor of International Military Markets – North America, Shaun has cultivated a deep understanding of the vast defense markets in the United States and Canada. He is a regular contributor to Forecast International's Defense & Security Monitor blog and has co-authored white papers on global defense spending and various military programs.
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