Army to acquire up to 14 CEA radars

Defence will spend $272 million to acquire up to 14 Multi-Mission Phased Array Radars (MMPARs) for the Australian Army. Canberra-based CEA Technologies will produce the radars under Project LAND8113 Ph.2. They will be used to support Army’s long-range fires capability based on Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System, or GMLRS, missiles and HiMARS launch vehicles and provide enhanced monitoring of potential threats.

Delivery of the first radars is expected from 2027. They will be based at the Edinburgh Defence precinct in South Australia as part of the newly formed 10^th Fires Brigade. The Army expects to receive its first HiMARS launch vehicles in the first half of this year and plans to conduct a test firing of the first Australian-assembled GMLRS some time during 2025.

These radars are derived from the maritime radars the company has manufactured. It built eight CEAFAR Active Phased Array Radars and CEAMOUNT target illuminators for the RAN’s ANZAC-class frigates and is building six CEAFAR2 radars and illuminators for the RAN’s six planned Hunter-class frigates.

“In line with the 2024 National Defence Strategy, today’s announcement will ensure Army’s long‑range fire capabilities are bolstered and ensure we deliver an integrated, focused force,” said Richard Marles, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence.

“CEA produce the best phased array radars in the world. They are one of the great success stories of Australian defence industry.”

“CEA Technologies is one of Defence’s most critical suppliers,” agreed Pat Conroy, Minister for Defence Industry and Capability Delivery. “These domestically manufactured radars are testament to the ingenuity and expertise in Australia’s defence industry. They’re so good that we’re selling them to the United States. They’re so good that the Australian Government is buying the company, because it is the crown jewels of the Australian defence industry.”

In April 2023 the Australian government announced it planned to acquire a controlling interest in CEA Technologies and, from the start of 2025, the company would become a Government Business Enterprise (GBE). Katy Gallagher, the Minister for Finance, said in a statement, “CEA will continue to operate as an independent for-profit company at arms-length from Government.”

A US prime contractor, Northrop Grumman, previously owned 49% of CEA Technologies and sold this shareholding to the Commonwealth in 2023.