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
FIA2026 animated banner
UK to deliver large drone package to Ukraine

Defence Security

UK to deliver large drone package to Ukraine

15 April 2026

The UK has announced the biggest ever drone package for Ukraine, delivering at least 120,000 drones for Ukraine this year and driving growth and jobs across the UK.

Boeing secures UK Apache and Chinook support contract

Defence

Boeing secures UK Apache and Chinook support contract

15 April 2026

Boeing Defence UK has been awarded an historic £879 million Rotary Wing Enterprise contract from the Ministry of Defence (MoD), to deliver long term maintenance and support for the UK’s Apache and Chinook fleets.

ARX Robotics begins UK manufacturing with first British Army order

Defence

ARX Robotics begins UK manufacturing with first British Army order

15 April 2026

ARX Robotics UK has begun manufacturing autonomous ground systems in the United Kingdom following its first contract with the British Army.

BAE Systems introduces Ascent spacecraft

Defence Space

BAE Systems introduces Ascent spacecraft

15 April 2026

BAE Systems has introduced its Ascent spacecraft, a new addition to the company’s Elevation spacecraft line that supports superiority and exploration missions across the space domain.

Advertisement
ODU RT
ALTEN opens office in Belfast

Aerospace Defence Security Space

ALTEN opens office in Belfast

14 April 2026

ALTEN has announced the opening of its newest UK office in Belfast, marking a significant strategic expansion into Northern Ireland.

Zelim’s ZOE becomes world’s first fully certified MOB system

Defence Security

Zelim’s ZOE becomes world’s first fully certified MOB system

14 April 2026

Edinburgh headquartered maritime safety and security specialist Zelim, today announced that its AI-enabled ZOE man-overboard detection (MOB) system has received official ISO 21195:2020 certification from independent classification body Lloyd’s Register, following successful completion of testing.

Advertisement
ODU RT
Advertisement
FIA2026 animated banner