Australia and Canada are set to collaborate on the development of a new military radar system aimed at enhancing Arctic security, responding to increased global interest in the region. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese recently held discussions with his Canadian counterpart, Mark Carney, about the potential for a significant investment of $6.6 billion in an over-the-horizon radar system.
Albanese highlighted the long-standing friendly relationship between Australia and Canada, noting that Canada’s interest lies in leveraging Australia’s advanced operational radar technology. He stated this initiative represents a major opportunity for technological export if successfully finalised.
The proposed radar system is expected to deliver early warning radar coverage extending from the Canada-US border into the Arctic, a critical area given its geopolitical sensitivity. Any new Canadian defence infrastructures in this region will need to align with the North American Aerospace Defence Command (NORAD), which is a pivotal military partnership between the US and Canada.
Eight countries—Canada, Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, Russia, Sweden, and the US—lay claim to territories within the Arctic, and competition for dominance is becoming increasingly fierce. Currently, Canada faces diplomatic challenges with the US, despite collaborating closely on security matters. One contentious point is the extent of Canadian sovereignty over the Arctic, particularly regarding the Northwest Passage, which Canada claims as internal waters, while the US regards it as international waters.
The strategic landscape of the Arctic is further complicated by growing cooperation between China and Russia, which has raised concerns in the US about potential shifts in regional stability and security dynamics.