UK signs statement of intent to adopt Australian CEA radar technology

Published Aug 12, 08:49 AM UTC

Britain has signed a statement of intent to potentially adopt Australian CEA Technologies' radar for its frontline forces, with QinetiQ handling integration, testing, and assurance. The four-way agreement involves QinetiQ, the UK Ministry of Defence, the Australian Department of Defence, and CEA Technologies. It was signed at CEA's factory in Canberra, with UK Minister Luke Pollard and Australian Minister Pat Conroy present. The deal follows commitments made at the Australia-UK Ministerial Consultations in June to explore joint development of active electronically scanned array radar. CEA's CEAFAR phased array radar is already fitted to Royal Australian Navy Anzac-class frigates and selected for Hunter-class frigates and Australian land-based air defence. The UK has an acknowledged shortfall in ground-based air defence, and the 2025 Strategic Defence Review committed to strengthening air and missile defence. The statement of intent is a framework for continued cooperation, stopping short of an order.