Canada acquires Australia's JORN radar technology for $6.5 billion

Australia's radar technology, known as JORN, was initially intended for export to the United States. However, after Donald Trump regained the presidency, Canada quickly stepped in to make a major purchase. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney announced a $6.5 billion deal to acquire the JORN radar system while in the Arctic region. He emphasized that this new technology will help Canada better detect and respond to threats, particularly in its Arctic territory. The decision comes as Canada faces increasing pressure from the U.S. to enhance its defense capabilities. The JORN system, which has been operational for over 30 years, offers advanced, long-range surveillance of both air and maritime activities, covering distances of up to 3,000 kilometers. JORN is unique because it uses high-frequency radio waves to track targets beyond the horizon. This capability is crucial for monitoring large maritime areas, especially in Australia's northern regions. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese mentioned the importance of diversifying trade relationships, especially with Canada, amid ongoing U.S. tariffs. He reiterated that discussions about exporting JORN to the U.S. have continued, but the project now faces uncertainty due to internal reviews of Pentagon spending. While there has been American interest in JORN for its potential to monitor Chinese military activities, the fast-paced developments with Canada have changed the landscape significantly. Australian Defence Minister Richard Marles highlighted that this deal could become the largest defense export from Australia in history, which would greatly benefit the Australian industry. Additionally, the U.K. has shown interest in JORN but has not yet made a formal decision.