Canberra-based company CEA Technologies is building four new Air Defence radars as part of the Australian Government’s $2.7 billion investment in Defence’s new Joint Air Battle Management System.
Minister for Defence Industry Pat Conroy welcomed the capability boost that the Australian designed and built radars are expected to provide.
“The new sensors will be able to detect aircraft and missile threats at greater ranges and with increased accuracy than our current systems, allowing for real-time critical information to be received and affording greater warning, decision and response time,” Minister Conroy said.
“As a critical component of the Joint Air Battle Management System, the radars will enhance situational awareness and interoperability across the Joint Force, and with our allies.”
Minister Conroy said the selection of this home-grown radar technology reflected the Australian Government’s broader commitment to maximising Australian industrial participation within Defence capability acquisition and sustainment projects.
“The contract will directly contribute to growing the CEA Technologies workforce from 530 staff to over 800 in coming years,” Minister Conroy said.
“The Australian designed and built radars will use CEA Technologies’ proven Active Electronically Scanned Array radar technology.
“CEA Technologies is a world-leading business in radar technology and a key defence industry partner in Australia, with its radar technology currently installed on the Royal Australian Navy’s Anzac Class Frigates.
“The expansion of CEA Technologies into ground-based sensor applications using the same proven technologies demonstrates the strength of Australia’s defence industry.”