The UK and Australia have agreed to explore integrating Australian radar technology into the UK Armed Forces.
The UK and Australia have agreed to explore integrating Australian radar technology into the UK Armed Forces.
A statement of intent signed in Canberra brings together the UK Ministry of Defence, the Australian Department of Defence, British company QinetiQ, and Canberra-based CEA Technologies.
The initiative focuses on active electronically scanned array (AESA) radars, which use multiple electronic beams to detect and track targets without mechanically repositioning the antenna.
AESA technology can support air and missile defense, surveillance, and the simultaneous tracking of multiple threats.
Under the proposed arrangement, CEA would provide its domestically developed radar technology, while QinetiQ would support its integration, testing, and technical assurance within the UK defense sector.
CEA radars are already operated by the Australian Defence Force, including aboard Anzac-class frigates and as part of land-based air defense systems.
Indo-Pacific Defense Tour
The radar agreement was signed during UK Minister for Defence Readiness and Industry Luke Pollard’s week-long visit to Australia and New Zealand, focused on defense production, supply chains, and maritime cooperation.
In Canberra, Pollard held talks with Australian officials on access to critical minerals and closer coordination between the two countries’ defense industries.
He is also expected to visit the Henderson shipyard in Western Australia, a major site for work connected to the AUKUS submarine program.
Pollard will later travel to New Zealand for talks on maritime capabilities and visits to Devonport Naval Base, Rocket Lab, and uncrewed aircraft manufacturer SYOS Aerospace.
Discussions are expected to include Babcock’s proposal to supply New Zealand with a version of its Type 31 frigate.
