This shift in defence cooperation shows deeper ties between two allies, useful context for a colleague following global security trends.
Australia’s biggest defence export deal ever Story flow and key facts
Australia has secured its largest-ever defence export deal, finalizing a $2.5 billion agreement to sell its advanced over-the-horizon radar technology to Canada. The system, modeled on Australia’s decades-old Jindalee Operational Radar Network (JORN), will help Canada monitor vast stretches of the Arctic with surveillance coverage extending thousands of kilometers. This marks the first time Australia has exported this sensitive technology, reflecting a growing ambition in defence industry outreach under its current government. The deal was confirmed after Canadian Defence Procurement Secretary Stephen Fuhr announced the signing during a visit to Australia, highlighting a strategic shift in bilateral defence ties.
Facts
- Australia signed a $2.5 billion deal to sell its over-the-horizon radar tech to Canada, its largest defence export ever.
- Canada will use the system to monitor the Arctic, modeling it on Australia’s JORN radar, which provides up to 3,000 km of coverage.
- The deal was confirmed in June 2026, with BAE Systems building the Canadian system.
- Canada has provisioned $6.5 billion total for the project and may expand the network in the future.
- Australia’s Defence Minister Richard Marles said the technology would only be shared with 'the closest of friends' due to its sensitivity.
- Canada’s Stephen Fuhr also expressed interest in Australia’s Ghost Bat uncrewed combat aircraft during his visit.
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