Australia and Canada have formalised a  strategic partnership aimed at advancing  Over the Horizon Radar (OTHR) capabilities, marking a significant step forward in defence research and development collaboration between the two nations.

Announced on 18 July, the agreement  will enable both nations’ governments and defence industries to work on a range of critical initiatives including:

• Investigation of technical challenges associated with OTHR operations in the Arctic,
• further development of Australia’s Jindalee Operational Radar Network (JORN) technology, and
• detailed planning for developing, manufacturing and commissioning of a Canadian OTHR capability.

The Defence Science and Technology group (DSTG) will collaborate with their counterparts – Defence Research and Development Canada and Canada’s Department of National Defence Digital Services Group – to leverage the decades of research, development and operations of JORN, as well as Canada’s expertise in operating high-frequency radars in the Arctic.

This agreement is the next phase in a defence relationship that has deepened in recent years, particularly following Canada’s announcement in March 2025 of its intention to purchase an OTHR network via partnership with Australia.

A spokesperson for Defence explained Australia’s relationship with Canada is built on trust and shared strategic interests.

“This agreement demonstrates our shared commitment to security through investment in cutting-edge technology, and opens the door to what may be a potentially significant export opportunity for Australian industry,” they said.

“The agreement is a testament to the high value systems Australian defence industry is capable of developing, producing and supporting.”

Designed in and operated from South Australia, JORN is a multi-billion dollar investment supporting three over-the-horizon radar systems that use high-frequency radar and ionospheric reflection to provide surveillance coverage of Australia’s northern air and sea approaches.

Learn more about the Jindalee Operational Radar Network

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Image: (L-R) Mr Jaspinder Komal, Assistant Deputy Minister, Defence Research and Development Canada, Air Vice-Marshal David Scheul, Air Defence and Space Systems Division, Capability Acquisition and Sustainment Group, Mr. Ross Ermel, Assistant Deputy Minister and Defence Chief Digital Officer, Digital Services, National Defence Canada, and Chief Defence Scientist Professor Tanya Monro after the signing of a Project Arrangement between Australia and Canada.