Australia, Canada sign record defense deal for Arctic radar network

Australia and Canada have taken a major step toward strengthening defense cooperation by signing a landmark agreement worth $1.75 billion to deploy an advanced Australian-developed radar system across Canadian territory.

The deal, signed in Canberra, marks the beginning of a project aimed at building a long-range early-warning radar network stretching from southern Canada into the Arctic, enhancing surveillance and security capabilities in the region.

Australian Defense Minister Richard Marles described the agreement as a milestone in bilateral defense ties, saying the project would deepen collaboration between the two countries in advanced military technology.

Canadian Secretary of State for Defense Procurement Stephen Fuhr also welcomed the partnership, highlighting the strong relationship between the two nations and their shared role within the Five Eyes intelligence alliance.

The radar system, known as Over-the-Horizon Radar technology, is designed to detect aircraft, ships and other objects at distances far beyond the reach of conventional radar. The technology achieves this by using high-frequency radio waves that bounce off the Earth‍‍`s ionosphere.

Canada selected the Australian system over competing proposals as part of its efforts to modernize defense capabilities and strengthen monitoring of its vast northern territories.

The agreement builds on growing cooperation between Ottawa and Canberra. Earlier this year, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese agreed to expand collaboration in areas including defense innovation, artificial intelligence and critical minerals.

Defense company BAE Systems Australia will play a key role in developing and implementing the Arctic radar project alongside both governments.

Officials said the contract is the largest defense export agreement ever secured by Australia, surpassing the country‍‍`s previous record military export deal involving the supply of Boxer armored vehicles to Germany.

The project is expected to enhance North American security while further strengthening strategic ties between two of the Indo-Pacific region‍‍`s closest defense partners.