BAE Systems tech to disrupt illegal drug trade into US

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.

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.

“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.”