UK and Australia deepen defence cooperation on advanced radar agreement

The UK Ministry of Defence (MoD), QinetiQ, the Australian Department of Defence and Canberra-based CEA Technologies Pty Limited (CEA), are progressing the potential adoption of Australia’s advanced radar technology by the UK for its frontline services.

The UK’s Minister for Defence Readiness and Industry, Luke Pollard and Australian Minister for Defence Industry Pat Conroy, joined the signing of a statement of intent which took place at the CEA factory in Canberra.

QinetiQ will play a crucial role in the integration, testing and assurance of the CEA Radar capability across the UK defence enterprise, strengthening warfighting readiness and the UK industrial base.

Why deeper Australia-UK cooperation is mutually beneficial

The signing builds on commitments made at the Australia-UK Ministerial Consultations, (AUKMIN), in June, where both governments announced their deepening cooperation, exploring the development and production of an Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar capability.

Minister for Defence Readiness and Industry, Luke Pollard, said: “Today, we are deepening our industrial cooperation with Australia on cutting-edge radar technologies. By bringing QinetiQ’s expertise together with CEA’s world-class radar technology, we can strengthen the warfighting readiness of both our nations while backing jobs and growth on both sides of the world.”

How industrial partnerships strengthen sovereign capabilities

Steve Wadey, Group Chief Executive Officer, QinetiQ, said: “QinetiQ’s unique expertise positions us as a strategic and trusted partner to the UK Ministry of Defence and its allies. Current conflicts remind us of the importance of air defences, which are increasingly under pressure and QinetiQ is proud to play a key role in bringing this vital technology to the UK.”

Alan Clements, Chief Executive Officer, CEA Technologies, said: “Today’s signing is an important milestone for CEA and the Australian and UK defence industries. It reflects the confidence both governments have in CEA’s world-leading radar technology and the important role industry partnerships play in strengthening sovereign capability.”

The parties emphasised the joint statement of intent provides a framework for continued cooperation as future opportunities are explored.