Australia has secured its largest-ever defense export contract, finalizing a landmark deal worth 2.5 billion Australian dollars (AUD) to supply Canada with a state-of-the-art over-the-horizon radar (OTHR) system.

According to reports in the Australian press, Australian Defense Minister Richard Marles officially announced the mega-sale, underscoring its profound implications for the nation's defense industrial base and sovereign capabilities.

Minister Marles highlighted that the multi-billion-dollar agreement stands as a historic milestone, being the largest defense export initiative in Australia's history. He emphasized that the project is projected to support approximately 1,000 direct and indirect jobs across the domestic supply chain, providing a significant boost to the national economy.

"This agreement goes far beyond economic metrics; it marks a pivotal advancement in our bilateral strategic cooperation," Marles stated. "This deal positions Canberra and Ottawa as significantly stronger partners within the global defense industry sector."

The transaction represents a major milestone for Australia's technological evolution, marking the first time the country has exported its proprietary, cutting-edge radar technology to an international ally.

The highly sophisticated over-the-horizon radar system is slated for deployment in Canada’s vast Arctic region. It will be integrated into Canada’s northern surveillance infrastructure to significantly enhance maritime and airspace monitoring capabilities over the critically strategic Arctic zone.(ILKHA)