CEA Technologies wins air defence radar contract as part of JABMS

Canberra-based CEA Technologies Pty Limited will build four new terrestrial air defence radars under a $110 million contract as part of the Australian Government’s $2.7 billion investment in Defence’s new Joint Air Battle Management System, Project AIR 6500 Ph.1. Lockheed Martin Australia and Northrop Grumman Australia have been short-listed for this contract for which a decision is expected some time in 2023

The new Active Electronically Scanned Array, or Phased Array, radars will replace four existing sensors, the Lockheed Martin AN/TPS-77 radars operated by 3 Control & Reporting Unit and 114 Mobile CRU. They will be derivatives of the CEAFAR phased array radar that already equips the RAN’s ANZAC-class frigates.

Minister for Defence Industry Pat Conroy welcomed the significant capability boost that the Australian-designed and -built radars will provide.

“The new sensors will be able to detect aircraft and missile threats at greater ranges and with increased accuracy than our current systems, allowing for real-time critical information to be received and affording greater warning, decision and response time,” he said.

“As a critical component of the Joint Air Battle Management System, the radars will enhance situational awareness and interoperability across the Joint Force, and with our allies.”

“The contract will directly contribute to growing the CEA Technologies workforce from 530 staff to over 800 in coming years,” Minister Conroy added. “CEA Technologies is a world-leading business in radar technology and a key defence industry partner in Australia, with its radar technology currently installed on the Royal Australian Navy’s Anzac Class Frigates.

“The expansion of CEA Technologies into ground-based sensor applications using the same proven technologies demonstrates the strength of Australia’s defence industry.”