Canada has progressed in acquiring a sophisticated long-range radar system to monitor the Arctic region. The Canadian government, led by Prime Minister Mark Carney, has finalized agreements with the Australian government and BAE Systems Australia for the procurement of an Arctic Over-the-Horizon Radar system (A-OTHR).
The $2.5-billion deal was signed by Secretary of State Stephen Fuhr and Australia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister, Richard Marles, in Canberra. As the radar system is foreign-made, an industrial benefits agreement was also inked to promote investments in Canada’s defense industry.
Over-the-horizon radars are deemed crucial for the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) to surveil airspace in the Far North for aircraft and missile threats. The transmitting and receiving stations will be positioned in southern Ontario’s Kawartha Lakes region, with the system anticipated to be operational by 2029.
“This initiative is part of a wider effort to establish an integrated Arctic surveillance and communication network, enhancing Canada’s ability to monitor and respond to activities in the Arctic,” remarked Fuhr in a statement.
Carney had announced the partnership with Australia last year, estimating the program’s total value at $6 billion. Conservative defense critic James Bezan expressed skepticism about the pace of contract negotiations, questioning the fulfillment of Carney’s promise for swift action.
The agreement signed on Sunday marks the procurement of the first of two planned radar units for the Arctic. The second unit, known as the Polar Over-the-Horizon Radar (P-OTHR), will be located in the Far North, with specific coordinates and community names classified.
The P-OTHR network in the Canadian Arctic Archipelago, comprising over 36,500 islands, will involve collaboration with Canadian firms to enhance radar system expertise and strengthen the country’s defense industry. The construction of the A-OTHR system is expected to generate 2,270 jobs annually from 2026 to 2033.
Australia’s Defense Minister Marles highlighted the partnership’s significance in exporting advanced defense systems while reinforcing national security and facilitating technological cooperation with trusted allies.