JORN and high frequency technologies in Australia and North America with BAE Systems Australia

In this episode, Grant McHerron visits BAE Systems Australia (BAESA) at Edinburgh Parks to talk with Ashley Searl, Director of Strategic Surveillance, and Nathan Herrmann, HF Sensing Program Director, about the Jindalee Operational Radar Network (JORN) and the recently confirmed sale of Over The Horizon Radar (OTHR) technology to Canada.

We begin our discussion by reviewing the history of JORN, starting from early experiments in the 1950s with high-frequency signals and progressing to the current three sites in WA, NT and QLD being controlled from RAAF Base Edinburgh. We then cover the current activities on JORN, including its enhancement project and midlife upgrade (Project Air 2025 Phase 6), where BAESA is the prime integrator collaborating closely with the Defence Science and Technology Group.

Moving on to the recent sale of JORN to Canada we cover how the sale was established, the changes that will be required to accommodate polar operations, Canada's own research into OTHR systems, and BAESA's involvement in delivering the solution. We also discuss BAESA's exports of high frequency products to the USA along with the importance of export sales to maintaining and recruiting the skilled workforce. We wrap up with an assessment of the future for OTHR sales and opportunities in other areas of the world.

Links:

BAE Systems’ OTHR and high frequency technology overview

https://www.baesystems.com/en/product/over-the-horizon-radar-and-high-frequency-technology

BAE Systems' JORN Overview

https://www.baesystems.com/en-aus/product/jorn

Canada to sign major JORN deal

https://www.australiandefence.com.au/news/news/canada-to-sign-major-jorn-deal

NOTE: This episode was sponsored by BAE Systems.

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