Australia has signed a landmark $2.5 billion government-to-government agreement with Canada to export Australian Over the Horizon Radar (OTHR) technology, marking the nation’s largest-ever defence export.
The agreement is the first international sale of Australia’s OTHR capability, which has been developed through the Jindalee Operational Radar Network (JORN), one of the country’s most significant sovereign defence technology programs.
The system will support Canada’s Arctic-Over the Horizon Radar (A-OTHR) capability, designed to strengthen long-range domain awareness and early warning across the Arctic.
Agreement highlights
Australia’s Department of Defence has worked with Canada’s Department of National Defence to develop requirements for the A-OTHR system, with the commitment to collaborate on the technology reaffirmed by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney in March 2026.
The agreement combines Australia’s expertise in OTHR technology with Canada’s focus on Arctic defence and surveillance, while also establishing a framework for joint research and development.
OTHR systems use high-frequency radar signals that can travel beyond the line of sight by refracting off the ionosphere, allowing the detection of aircraft and maritime activity at much greater distances than conventional radar.
JORN provides wide-area surveillance at ranges of 1,000 to 3,000 kilometres and supports Australian Defence Force air and maritime operations, border protection, disaster relief and rescue operations.
The Canada export project is expected to support about 300 high-value technical jobs in Australia. BAE Systems Australia will act as key industry partner and is scheduled to begin delivery of Canada’s A-OTHR capability on July 1, 2026.
“Great Aussie success story”
Defence Industry Minister Pat Conroy described JORN as a “great Aussie success story”, saying the arrangement showed how defence exports could support economic growth, build high-technology capability and strengthen national resilience.
The deal also deepens Australia–Canada defence industry ties at a time when both countries are seeking to strengthen early warning and surveillance capabilities across the Indo-Pacific, North Atlantic and Arctic regions.
The Australian Government said the agreement represents the first stage of a broader collaboration with Canada on A-OTHR, including further opportunities for joint development and long-term capability growth.