The Australian Government has entered into an agreement with the United States and the United Kingdom to advance Australian defence space capabilities.
At the second AUKUS Defence Ministers’ Meeting in California, Ministers spoke about accelerating capabilities that provide all three partners with timely and reliable information in contested environments.
As part of this, Australia, the United States and United Kingdom will collaborate on the Deep-space Advanced Radar Capability.
This capability will provide 24-hour continuous global and all-weather coverage to track and identify objects in deep space, boosting the ability to detect and deter space-based threats.
“Australia faces the most challenging set of strategic circumstances since the end of the Second World War. Our region is seeing growing competition across multiple levels. Australia’s interests in space are not bound by geography. Strengthening Australia’s defence capabilities in the space domain and working with our partners is a prudent response to our changing strategic environment," said Richard Marles, Deputy Prime Minister.
“The installation of a Deep-space Advanced Radar Capability site demonstrates the Albanese Government’s commitment to lifting our capacity and rapidly translating disruptive new technologies into Australian Defence Force capability, deepening our strong AUKUS partnership."
“This investment harnesses technological advances to maintain a leading edge in Australia’s capability and contribute to strategic deterrence in the region. We will continue to work with our partners to build a region that is stable, peaceful and prosperous, and where sovereignty, including space sovereignty, is respected.”
The Australian Deep-space Advanced Radar Capability site will be installed near Exmouth in Western Australia and is expected to be operational by 2026.
The Australian site will integrate with other sites in the United States and the United Kingdom, and is expected to create up to 100 jobs, with further opportunities for Australian industry through operation and sustainment of the site.