BAE Systems Australia is to carry out a comprehensive upgrade of the country’s long-range high frequency radar network following endorsement from the Australian Minister for Defence, Senator Marise Payne.
Official Prime Contractor Partner: BAE Systems
Australia’s coastal approaches are protected by the Jindalee Operational Radar Network (JORN) via three remote radars in Queensland, Western Australia and the Northern Territory. Crucially, these radars are integral to the Australian Defence Force’s air and maritime operations, in addition to border surveillance, disaster relief and search and rescue initiatives.
Value at $1 billion, the JORN upgrade will require upwards of 500 highly skilled technicians and engineers across BAE System’s itself and the wider supply chain. The majority of this immense workforce will be based in the Edinburgh Defence precinct of South Australia, with remote teams supporting radar sites at Laverton (Western Australia), Longreach (Queensland) and Alice Springs (Northern Territory).
In response to the announcement, Gabby Costigan – Chief Executive of BAE Systems Australia – said: “As a world leader in High Frequency radar technology, we are proud to have been selected to deliver an important upgrade to Australia’s most complex and critical Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance capability.
“Together with our partners, we are committed to ensuring a high level of Australian industry and academic participation in JORN. Our collaborative approach will allow for the application of rapidly developing technology to ensure Australia maintains a capability edge and superior situational awareness to ensure our northern approaches are secure.”
More than 20 specialist Australian SMEs will be embedded within the supply chain to broaden participation, while JORN will support 60 graduate positions over the lifetime of the upgrade.
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