Advancing UK Aerospace, Defence, Security & Space Solutions Worldwide
  • Home
  • /
  • Defence
  • /
  • BAE Systems tech to disrupt illegal drug trade into US

Defence Security

BAE Systems tech to disrupt illegal drug trade into US

BAE Systems Australia will export sovereign defence technology designed and developed in Australia to detect and disrupt illicit drugs entering the United States.

Above: Gabrielle Costigan MBE, CEO, BAE Systems Australia.
Courtesy BAE Systems

The company today announced it will deliver a multi-mission digital high frequency (HF) receiver system into the US Government’s Maritime-centric Over the Horizon Radar (MASOR) project which is now a critical part of the war against drug imports into the United States.

Advertisement
ODU RT

The technology, designed and developed by the company alongside Australian academics and SMEs, will be integrated into the US Navy’s Forces Surveillance Support Center. BAE Systems Australia has been at the forefront of the development of high frequency systems technologies for more than 40 years.

The $18 million digital receiver system enables the integration of multiple images so the US Navy can accurately identify targets of interest across a range of up to 3,000 kilometres. Increasing these maritime surface target detections and tracking capability is expected to help cut the entry of illicit drugs entering the US.

BAE Systems Australia has invested significantly in establishing and continuously improving high frequency technology systems and surveillance capability, working alongside defence, academia and industry in Australia to build this strategic investment in local talent and research and development activities.

BAE Systems Chief Executive Gabby Costigan said: “Through collaboration with defence, industry and academia, Australia leads the world in HF technologies.

“Our commitment and investment to support the spiral development of these sovereign technologies enables us to develop valuable new opportunities to collaborate with allied nations and grow the nation’s exports.

Advertisement
Leonardo animated rectangle

“We have been collaborating with the US on High Frequency radar technologies for over a decade and we’re extremely proud to work on projects like MASOR which leverage our world class Over The Horizon Radar capability and expertise to improve strategic surveillance capabilities in the US.”

 

 

Advertisement
General Atomics LB
BAE Systems secures programmable ammunition orders from Sweden and Finland

Defence

BAE Systems secures programmable ammunition orders from Sweden and Finland

23 December 2025

BAE Systems has signed two contracts worth approximately $171 million for its Bofors 40mm and 57mm 3P (Pre-fragmented, Programmable, Proximity- fused) advanced ammunition, in a combined procurement from both the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) and the Finnish Defence Forces Logistics Command (FDF LOG COM).

Boeing Defence UK awarded Gladiator contract

Defence

Boeing Defence UK awarded Gladiator contract

22 December 2025

Boeing Defence UK has been awarded a two-year and three-month contract extension, with option to extend by a further three months, worth £16.9 million to continue supporting the Gladiator synthetic training environment.

Saab opens UK site to support British Army training

Defence

Saab opens UK site to support British Army training

19 December 2025

Saab UK has opened a new site in South West England dedicated to its Training & Simulation business unit. This expansion strengthens Saab’s ability to deliver advanced training solutions to the British Army.

Patria and Germany sign two contracts within CAVS programme

Defence

Patria and Germany sign two contracts within CAVS programme

19 December 2025

Patria and Germany have concluded two procurement contracts within the Common Armoured Vehicle System (CAVS) programme.

Advertisement
ODU RT
Top Australian and UK universities sign AUKUS innovation pact

Defence

Top Australian and UK universities sign AUKUS innovation pact

18 December 2025

Eight Australian and UK universities have become the founding members of a new Advanced Skills Alliance, to fast-track the skills and research needed to build security, defence and resilience capabilities.

Dstl leads on NATO emerging disruptive tech competition

Defence

Dstl leads on NATO emerging disruptive tech competition

18 December 2025

The Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) is leading a NATO research project called ‘Youth Perspective on Emerging and Disruptive Technologies’.

Advertisement
Leonardo animated rectangle
Advertisement
General Atomics LB