Canada agreed to purchase an Arctic over-the-horizon radar built on Australian technology for about A$2.5 billion, marking a major defence export for Australia.

Australian Defence Minister described the deal as strengthening strategic ties and advancing the development of the Over-the-Horizon Radar.

The radar uses ionospheric reflection to detect distant objects beyond conventional radar range as part of a broader Arctic surveillance and communications network.

The report appears in the politics section, underscoring governance and defence implications alongside technical details.

The article was updated on June 22, 2026, with an initial update shortly after publication, indicating ongoing coverage.

The initiative is framed as part of an integrated Arctic surveillance network to monitor activity across the region.

Detailed technical specifications, timelines, budget breakdowns, and agency participation are not disclosed in the excerpt.

NORAD will monitor Arctic airspace with the radar, planning stations in Kawartha Lakes, Ontario, and a second unit in the Canadian Arctic (site undisclosed).

NORAD modernization includes investments in surveillance and communications, with over-the-horizon radar highlighted as a key capability.

The deal reflects a broader shift toward middle-power defense collaborations that emphasize knowledge transfer and domestic growth over dependence on traditional powers.

Strategically, the radar provides long-range, hard-to-evade detection of aircraft and missiles, offering a cost-effective asset for NORAD and allied access.

The project includes an industrial benefits package to involve Canadian firms and is expected to create about 2,270 Canadian jobs annually and contribute to GDP from 2026 to 2033.