For several months, senior officials in Australia have been engaged in discussions regarding the potential export of the nation’s world-leading Jindalee Over-the-Horizon Radar (JORN) technology to the United States. However, following Donald Trump’s return to the White House, Canada identified an opportunity and acted swiftly.
In a decisive move, newly appointed Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney held discussions with his Australian counterpart, Anthony Albanese, before traveling to Nunavut, an Arctic territory, to formally announce a $6.5 billion investment in high-tech Australian military technology. “Our government will collaborate with Australia, a long-standing defense and security partner, to develop a cutting-edge, long-range, over-the-horizon military radar system,” Carney stated. “This system will significantly enhance Canada’s capability to detect and respond to both aerial and maritime threats in the Arctic more swiftly and from greater distances, ultimately ensuring the safety of all Canadians.”
This strategic acquisition follows increasing pressure from Washington for Ottawa to bolster its defense spending. The new radar system will support the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD), a joint U.S.-Canadian initiative responsible for identifying potential security threats. Additionally, the decision comes in response to repeated threats from President Trump regarding the potential annexation of Canada and Greenland. JORN, now in its fourth decade of operation, is regarded as the most advanced high-frequency, sky-wave, over-the-horizon radar system globally. The technology enables wide-area surveillance of ships and aircraft up to 3,000 kilometers away. Unlike traditional radars that are constrained by the limitations of line-of-sight detection, JORN transmits high-frequency radio signals skyward, which then reflect off the ionosphere before illuminating a target. The returning echoes are captured by separate receiver stations, and the data is processed into real-time tracking information. This capability is particularly crucial for monitoring extensive maritime territories, including Australia’s northern approach.
As the United States continues to impose tariffs on foreign imports, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese emphasized the importance of diversifying Australia’s trade partnerships. “Mark Carney expressed Canada’s keen interest in acquiring over-the-horizon radar technology from Australia. It is vital for Australia to broaden its economic relationships beyond traditional partners,” Albanese noted. “Canada is a significant ally, and both nations share numerous common interests.”
While discussions regarding the sale of JORN technology to the United States have been ongoing, the project’s future remains uncertain. The initiative is currently subject to an extensive audit led by the Pentagon’s cost-cutting initiative, dubbed the DOGE audit, spearheaded by Elon Musk. For over a year, U.S. military officials have privately conveyed interest in acquiring JORN due to its potential to monitor military activities as far as mainland China. However, the complexities surrounding the Pentagon’s financial review have delayed any definitive agreements. A senior Australian official disclosed that Canada initially intended to follow the United States’ lead in acquiring the technology, yet shifting circumstances prompted Ottawa to expedite the decision. “The Canadians were always expected to proceed with the purchase once the U.S. finalized its acquisition. However, given recent developments, events progressed more rapidly than anticipated,” the official revealed.
Following Canada’s announcement, Australian Defense Minister Richard Marles highlighted the potential significance of the final JORN deal, suggesting that it could become the largest military export in the nation’s history. “Although further discussions are required, this agreement presents an opportunity for what may become Australia’s most significant defense industry export,” Marles stated in an interview with ABC News Breakfast. “Such an outcome would be highly beneficial for Australian industry.”
In addition to interest from Canada and the United States, the United Kingdom has also expressed preliminary interest in acquiring the JORN technology. However, the British government has yet to provide formal approval for the potential purchase. The involvement of BAE Systems Australia, a subsidiary of the UK-based defense contractor BAE Systems, suggests that future negotiations may be forthcoming. The potential sale of JORN to multiple international partners underscores Australia’s growing prominence in the defense technology sector. If the agreements proceed as anticipated, the export of JORN could mark a transformative milestone in the nation’s military and economic landscape.
