Australia’s world-leading Jindalee Operational Radar Network (JORN) is set to play a central role in Canada’s ambitions to build the largest and most sensitive over-the-horizon radar (OTHR) system ever developed.
The collaboration will strengthen bilateral defence cooperation with Canada and could become Australia’s biggest defence export in history.
The program reflects decades of trust between the two nations and demonstrates the global recognition of Australia’s sovereign capability in high frequency radar science, engineering and operations.
During his visit to Australia, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney attended a Defence capability briefing where Defence and BAE Systems Australia showcased the JORN OTHR system and its high-frequency detection capabilities.
Defence has worked closely with the Canadian Department of National Defence (DND) to support Canada’s planning for its Arctic OTHR program, including the development of technical and operational requirements.
As part of the partnership, the Capability Acquisition and Sustainment Group (CASG) released a request for tender to BAE Systems Australia for the design, manufacture and commissioning of an OTHR system for potential delivery of the first stage of Canada’s Arctic OTHR capability development program.
Defence is committed to ensuring any export benefits Australia’s sovereign JORN capability, sustaining its position as a global leader in OTHR technology and improving economies of scale for maintenance and upgrades.
“Defence welcomes the mutual advantages that will flow from further development of the JORN technology through collaborative research and development. It serves to strengthen our domestic sovereign defence industry through engagement among Defence, BAE Systems Australia and Canadian and Australian industry partners,” Head of Air Defence and Space Systems Division Air Vice‑Marshal Martin Nussio said.
'It serves to strengthen our domestic sovereign defence industry through engagement among Defence, BAE Systems Australia and Canadian and Australian industry partners.'
BAE Systems Australia, the nation’s largest defence contractor, is currently delivering a major midlife upgrade to JORN under Project AIR2025 Phase 6.
Chief Defence Scientist Professor Tanya Monro noted that the technology underpinning these developments is based on decades of research by Defence Science and Technology Group (DSTG) and innovation by Australian industry. She said BAE Systems Australia has played a critical role in supporting the development of JORN over many years.
“These world-leading upgrades, together with new critical technological development, will provide the capability required for the Canadian Arctic OTHR,” Professor Monro said.
“BAE Systems Australia has a long history of involvement in supporting the Defence Science and Technology Group with the development of JORN.”
BAE Systems Australia was initially contracted to assist with the development of OTHR technology at the original Jindalee Facility in Alice Springs, which formed the baseline for the JORN specification. BAE continues to play a key role, developing technology for the Phase 5 upgrade to JORN and more recently winning the competitive tender to lead the Phase 6 midlife upgrade project and provide sustainment support to the JORN capability system. BAE continues to deliver enhancements and sustainment for JORN.
Defence worked with Canada in August 2025 to establish requirements for the Arctic OTHR mission system, which will be substantially larger than a JORN radar site.
DSTG is collaborating with BAE Systems Australia and Defence Research and Development Canada (DRDC) to leverage decades of Australian expertise with Canada’s experience operating high frequency radars in the Arctic.
Anyone know when they will start building it here? Or the expected completion for use date? Just curious.