Australia has secured the largest defence export deal in its history, with Canada agreeing to purchase world-leading Australian over-the-horizon radar technology in a landmark agreement valued at approximately A$2.5 billion. The deal represents a major breakthrough for Australia’s defence industry and further strengthens strategic ties between two of the world’s closest security partners.
The agreement was formally announced in Canberra by Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Richard Marles alongside Canada’s Secretary of State for Defence Procurement Stephen Fuhr. Marles described the arrangement as a historic moment for Australia’s defence sector and the largest defence export ever achieved by the nation.
At the centre of the agreement is Australia’s highly advanced Over-the-Horizon Radar (OTHR) technology, developed through the renowned Jindalee Operational Radar Network (JORN). The system is capable of detecting and tracking aircraft, ships and missile threats up to 3,000 kilometres away by using signals reflected from the ionosphere, allowing surveillance far beyond the horizon.
The radar technology has formed the backbone of Australia’s northern surveillance capability for decades and is widely regarded as one of the most sophisticated long-range radar systems in the world. Developed through more than four decades of research and innovation, it has attracted significant international interest because of its ability to provide early warning against emerging threats.
For Canada, the purchase is expected to play a critical role in strengthening security across the Arctic region. The vast Arctic territory represents around 40 per cent of Canada’s landmass and is becoming increasingly important from both a strategic and economic perspective. Canadian officials say the radar will form part of a broader Arctic surveillance and communications network designed to improve monitoring and response capabilities.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese welcomed the agreement, describing it as a significant milestone in Australian defence trade and a foundation for deeper collaboration between Australia and Canada. He noted that the partnership demonstrates Australia’s ability to deliver cutting-edge technologies to trusted international partners.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has previously highlighted the importance of enhancing Arctic security and strengthening Canada’s sovereign monitoring capabilities. The radar project aligns with Canada’s broader efforts to modernise its defence infrastructure and respond to evolving geopolitical challenges in the Arctic region.
The project is expected to generate significant economic benefits for Australia. Government estimates indicate the agreement will support hundreds of highly skilled jobs, particularly in advanced manufacturing, engineering, defence technology and systems integration. Australian industry partners, including defence contractors and technology specialists, are expected to play a major role in delivering the project.
The deal also highlights the growing strategic partnership between Australia and Canada, both members of the Five Eyes intelligence alliance and long-standing defence partners. In recent years, cooperation between the two nations has expanded across defence technology, artificial intelligence, critical minerals, clean energy and regional security initiatives.
For Australia, the agreement is more than just a record-breaking export success. It showcases the nation’s growing capability to develop world-class defence technologies and compete in highly specialised global markets. As geopolitical competition increases and demand for advanced surveillance systems grows, Australia’s expertise in over-the-horizon radar technology is positioning the country as an increasingly important player in international defence innovation.
