CEA Technologies wins $272 million Army radar contract

A $272 million purchase by the federal government will see defence electronics company CEA Technologies deliver “up to 14 multi-mission phased array radars (MMPARs) for the Australian Army”.

According to a short announcement from defence minister Richard Marles on Wednesday, delivery of the phased array radars is scheduled to begin in 2027

The radars will support the Army’s “long-range fires capability” and improve monitoring of potential threats across the Australian Defence Force, according to Marles. 

“In line with the 2024 National Defence Strategy, today’s announcement will ensure Army’s long‑range fire capabilities are bolstered and ensure we deliver an integrated, focused force,” he said.

Canberra-based CEA designs and makes active phased array radars, which it calls CEAFA, and which are supplied for Royal Australian Navy ships such as the Anzac Class Frigates.

It describes the technology as providing a multi-function Digital Beam Forming (DBF) radar performing 3D volume search, surface search, fire control support, and target classification.

The federal government considered the 42-year-old company so important that it announced an agreement to acquire a majority stake in CEA Technologies in April 2023. 

The departing longstanding shareholder was Northrop Grumman, according to an announcement at the time. According to a report by The Australian Financial Review, the federal government paid nearly $500 million buying up Northrop’s 49 per cent stake and then those of minority shareholders.

“CEA Technologies is one of Defence’s most critical suppliers. These domestically manufactured radars are testament to the ingenuity and expertise in Australia’s defence industry,” said defence industry minister Pat Conroy on Wednesday.

“This investment is another example of the Albanese Government’s commitment to a future made in Australia, and the defence industry is an essential part of that future.”

Picture: CEAFAR radar aboard HMAS Perth (credit Defence)

Further reading

Government nationalises defence tech firm CEA Technologies

CEA Technologies $277 million electronic warfare contract

CEA Technologies awarded air defence radar contract

CEA Technologies signs $90 million loan to aid expansion