The Canadian government has finalized a procurement agreement with Australia to acquire the Jindalee Operational Radar Network (JORN) technology, a sophisticated Over-the-Horizon Radar (OTHR) system. This deal, announced by the Department of National Defence, aims to bolster Canada’s Arctic surveillance capabilities by detecting long-range threats, including cruise missiles and aircraft, that traditional line-of-sight radars often miss.
Why Canada is investing in Over-the-Horizon Radar
Canada’s decision to adopt Australian OTHR technology is part of a broader effort to modernize the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD). According to the Department of National Defence, current radar systems in the North are limited by the curvature of the Earth, creating gaps that adversaries could exploit. Unlike conventional radar, OTHR systems bounce radio waves off the ionosphere, allowing them to monitor vast areas of the Arctic far beyond the horizon. This technology provides the military with increased reaction time to identify and track unauthorized aerial incursions in remote northern airspace.
How the Australian JORN system works
The Jindalee Operational Radar Network, developed by BAE Systems Australia, is a world-leading surveillance system. It utilizes high-frequency radio waves that refract off the Earth’s upper atmosphere to detect movement over thousands of kilometers. By partnering with Australia—the only other Five Eyes nation with an operational, combat-proven OTHR network—Canada avoids the risks associated with unproven experimental technology. The BAE Systems project portfolio notes that the system is capable of monitoring maritime and air traffic simultaneously, providing a comprehensive “air-picture” of northern approaches that were previously difficult to observe.
Comparison of Northern Surveillance Strategies
Canada’s pivot to OTHR represents a significant shift from its historical reliance on the North Warning System (NWS). The following table contrasts the two approaches to Arctic defense:
| Feature | North Warning System (NWS) | Over-the-Horizon Radar (OTHR) |
|---|---|---|
| Detection Range | Limited (Line-of-sight) | Extended (Thousands of km) |
| Physics | Direct microwave pulse | Ionospheric refraction |
| Primary Utility | Short-range perimeter alert | Long-range threat detection |
What happens next for Arctic security
The implementation of the OTHR system is scheduled to occur in phases as part of Canada’s $4.9 billion investment in NORAD modernization. Officials have confirmed that initial work will focus on site selection and environmental assessments in Northern Canada, where the ionospheric conditions must be carefully mapped to ensure radar accuracy. While the procurement process is now solidified, the full deployment of the network remains a multi-year project that will integrate with existing U.S. and Canadian satellite and ground-based sensor arrays. This move follows the 2022 commitment from the Canadian government to upgrade its Arctic defense posture in response to shifting geopolitical tensions in the polar region.
Related reading