Australia and Canada sign JORN export agreement

Australia and Canada have signed a government-to-government arrangement with to export an Australian Over the Horizon Radar (OTHR) system. This $2.5 billion agreement marks the first international sale of Australia’s world-leading OTHR technology, building on the proven success of the Jindalee Operational Radar Network (JORN) while supporting hundreds of Australian industry jobs, says Defence in a media release.

Defence has worked with the Canadian Department of National Defence to develop requirements for Canada’s Arctic-Over the Horizon Radar (A-OTHR) capability, with the commitment to collaborate on this technology reaffirmed by Prime Minister Albanese and Prime Minister Carney in March 2026.

“Australia has developed and owns the best long-range radar in the world, and we should be so proud of that,” said Pat Conroy, Minister for Defence Industry. “Not only will [this radar] equip the Canadian Armed Forces with the best long-range radar in the world, through this cooperation Canada will invest in the further development of this great capability, which will benefit not just Canada but Australia as well. 

“BAE Systems Australia, as the key industry partner, plays a central role in reinforcing Australia’s position as a global leader in OTHR technology. Today’s agreement directly supports the ongoing evolution and resilience of … JORN.”

The agreement reflects the two countries’ shared strategic interests, combining Australia’s globally recognised expertise in OTHR with Canada’s leadership in Arctic defence and long-range domain awareness, says Defence.

“It is far and away the most advanced long-range radar in the world,” said Richard Marles, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence, of JORN in a press conference in Canberra. “Just like Australia, Canada has large areas to surveil, and so Canada will use this to engage in surveillance over the Arctic.

“In an increasingly complex strategic environment, Australia and Canada are committed to working together to grow our defence relationship and this initiative is a clear demonstration of that enduring partnership in action,” added Marles. “This arrangement demonstrates Australia’s ability to export advanced, high-technology defence systems while safeguarding our national security, and enabling trusted partners to benefit from Australian innovation.”

The export deal will further strengthen interoperability between trusted partners while driving industrial growth and innovation in both nations. It also establishes a framework for joint R&D to advance OTHR capabilities for mutual benefit.

Working together on OTHR systems will support the delivery of early warning and surveillance capabilities in the Indo-Pacific and North Atlantic, contributing to our collective security in an increasingly complex strategic environment.

The project will support approximately 300 high-value technical jobs in Australia, with industry partner BAE Systems Australia set to commence delivery of Canada’s A‑OTHR capability on 1 July 2026.