CEA Technologies $277 million electronic warfare contract

Australian defence radar systems manufacturer CEA Technologies has been awarded a $277 million contract to provide advanced capabilities for Australia’s electronic warfare ranges as part of major upgrades to upgrade electronic attack capabilities.

Canberra-based CEA will provide a number of fixed and portable emitters to support training exercises and strengthen capability across the Australian Defence Force.

It is the first contract to be awarded under Phase 6 of Project AIR 5349, under which the the RAAF’s 11, EA-18G Growler jet aircraft are being equipped with upgraded technology at a total cost of more than $2 billion.

The EA-18G Growler is an electronic attack variant of the Super Hornet fighter and is capable of disrupting, deceiving or denying a broad range of military electronic systems, including radars and communications.

The upgrades include new sensors and electronic signal jammers and new, longer-range missiles.

Electronic warfare has been increasingly influential in the Russian invasion of Ukraine, with both sides working to suppress their opponents electronic systems such as radars and anti-aircraft systems.

Upgrades include:

• Cooperative development of the Next-Generation Jammer weapon system with the United States Navy to gradually replace the ALQ-99 Tactical Jamming System
• Aircraft modifications including sensor upgrades
• Anti-radiation missile war stock
• New longer-range and more advanced anti-radiation missiles.
• Upgrades to the electronic warfare training ranges capability
• And facility upgrades at Amberley near Brisbane and the Delamere Air Training Area near Katherine in the Northern Territory.

The project will ensure commonality with United States Navy aircraft.

Minister for Defence Industry, the Hon Pat Conroy said Australian companies would be involved a much as possible throughout the life of this project.

“I’m proud that this project will continue to develop Australia’s own CEA Technologies, a world leading radar technology company.

“We are delivering leading edge technology the RAAF needs to face an increasingly complex and uncertain strategic environment.”

Further reading:
CEA TECHNOLOGIES AWARDED AIR DEFENCE RADAR CONTRACT

Picture: CEA Technologies