Australia inks $2.5b defence system deal with Canada
Australia will supply over-the-horizon radar technology to Canada in the largest defense export deal in the country’s history.
The $2.5 billion deal marks the first time Australian technology has been sold overseas.
The technology allows a radar system to detect targets at longer ranges than conventional radars.
The agreement was signed between the two countries in Canberra on Monday.
Canadian Minister of State for Defense Procurement Stephen Fuhr said the agreement formalizes Canada and Australia’s commitment to deeper cooperation in defense and security, critical minerals, artificial intelligence, energy and investment.
“We have stood shoulder to shoulder for generations as the world adapts to new strategic and economic realities,” Mr Fuhr told reporters in Canberra.
“I can’t think of a stronger partner to work with than Australia.”
Defense Minister Richard Marles said the technology will be used by Canada for many purposes.
“Just like Australia, Canada has large areas to monitor, and so Canada will use this to conduct surveillance over the Arctic,” he said.
“What this really means is that Australia and Canada are now partners in terms of the future development of over-the-horizon radar.”
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