Canada Acquires Arctic Over-the-Horizon Radar System

Canada finalised an agreement on 22 June 2026 with Australia and BAE Systems Australia for the acquisition of an Arctic Over-the-Horizon Radar (A-OTHR) system. The contract value is $2.5 billion, and the system is linked to Canada’s NORAD modernisation programme and Arctic surveillance requirements.

Arctic Over-the-Horizon Radar

Arctic Over-the-Horizon Radar is a long-range radar system that uses high-frequency radio waves reflected from the ionosphere to detect objects beyond the line of sight. The A-OTHR system is designed to monitor aircraft and missile threats over Canada’s Arctic and Far North.

Jindalee Operational Radar Network

The Australian A-OTHR technology is derived from the Jindalee Operational Radar Network, commonly known as JORN. JORN is Australia’s over-the-horizon radar network and is regarded as the basis of the export version sold to Canada.

Project locations and timeline

The agreement was signed in Canberra by Stephen Fuhr, Canada’s Secretary of State for Defence Procurement, and Richard Marles, Australia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister. The transmitting station will be located in the Kawartha Lakes region of southern Ontario, and the receiving station will be located in Clearview Township near Wasaga Beach. BAE Systems Australia is scheduled to begin work on 1 July 2026, and the system is expected to reach initial operational capability by December 2029. The project is projected to create about 2,270 jobs annually in Canada between 2026 and 2033.

Important Facts for Exams

• Over-the-horizon radar can detect targets at ranges beyond the geometric horizon by using ionospheric reflection.
• NORAD stands for North American Aerospace Defence Command and is a binational defence organisation of Canada and the United States.
• Australia’s Jindalee Operational Radar Network is a strategic long-range radar system used for wide-area surveillance.
• Canada’s A-OTHR programme includes industrial benefits provisions for Canadian companies and domestic defence manufacturing.

Industrial and economic provisions

A comprehensive industrial benefits agreement requires BAE Systems Australia to work with Canadian companies. The arrangement is intended to build technical expertise in Canada and strengthen the domestic defence industrial base.

Earlier programme milestones

On 18 March 2025, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney announced plans to invest more than $6 billion in the A-OTHR programme. A technology partnership arrangement was formally signed on 20 June 2025.