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
ODU RT

“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
Hexagon leaderboard
BAE Systems Bofors completes Aston Harald acquisition

Defence

BAE Systems Bofors completes Aston Harald acquisition

21 May 2026

BAE Systems Bofors, which signed a purchase agreement to acquire Swedish supplier of precision mechanics and advanced component machining for aerospace and defence products, Aston Harald Mekaniska Verkstad AB in February 2026, has now completed the acquisition.

SubSea Craft expands US presence

Defence

SubSea Craft expands US presence

21 May 2026

British advanced maritime technology company SubSea Craft has announced plans to expand its operations to Virginia Beach in the USA.

BAE Systems

Aerospace Defence

BAE Systems' Iain Minton to chair new manufacturing and tech coalition

21 May 2026

BAE Systems' tech specialist Iain Minton has been appointed to chair a new coalition of manufacturing and industrial technology experts helping SMEs tackle the challenges and opportunities created by AI, automation and digital transformation.

British defence unicorns awarded new MoD contracts

Defence Space

British defence unicorns awarded new MoD contracts

21 May 2026

Thirteen British businesses have been awarded contracts of up to £4 million to work with the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) to boost rapid procurement, drive innovation and deliver advanced technology for UK Armed Forces.

Advertisement
ODU RT
Spectra Group receives first MoD order for GENSS

Defence

Spectra Group receives first MoD order for GENSS

20 May 2026

Spectra Group (UK) Ltd has received its first order from the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) for the recently launched GENSS tactical communications system as a defence unicorn.

Serco awarded £65m US Army mission support contract

Defence

Serco awarded £65m US Army mission support contract

20 May 2026

Serco has been awarded a five-year contract by the US Army worth more than £65 million ($90 million) to support the Planning Programming Budgeting Business Operating System (PPB BOS).

Advertisement
ODU RT
Advertisement
General Atomics LB