Australia sold a radar system to Canada to strengthen its defense in the Arctic
Australia has signed a deal worth 2.5 billion Australian dollars (approximately $1.8 billion) to sell an Over-the-Horizon Radar (OTHR) system to Canada.
The deal is the largest defense export contract in Australian history and, according to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, reflects the two countries’ shared strategic interests.
The project combines Australia’s expertise in over-the-horizon radar with Canada’s capabilities in Arctic defense and long-range surveillance systems.
Canada is strengthening its military presence in the Arctic amid growing geopolitical competition in the region. The new surveillance systems are intended to expand early warning capabilities and airspace control.
Albanese emphasized that the cooperation is based on long-standing ties within the Five Eyes alliance and shared security interests.
Canada and Australia emphasize that the strengthening of defense cooperation is taking place against the backdrop of a weakening global international order and the growing role of major powers. Both countries view themselves as stable democracies capable of forming new security coalitions.
The implementation of the system is expected to create about 300 highly skilled jobs in Australia. Deliveries of the Canadian version of the A-OTHR system are set to begin on July 1, 2026, with BAE Systems Australia serving as the contractor.
This was reported by Bloomberg.
Earlier, Norway presented an updated long-term defense plan for 2025–2036, which provides for nearly $12 billion in additional funding, as well as a review of some defense programs. One of the key decisions was to cancel the project to procure long-range drones for maritime reconnaissance in the Far North.
Earlier, British Defense Minister John Healy officially confirmed plans to radically strengthen the United Kingdom’s military presence in the Far North.
