New centre to focus on HF radar technology and skills

A new collaborative centre between industry, government and academia has been established in Adelaide for research into high-frequency (HF) radar technology which underpins Australia’s ability to control access to northern Australia.

The University of Adelaide, the Department of Defence and BAE Systems Australia established the JORN Open Innovation Network (JOIN) Centre for Advanced Defence Research in HF Technologies (CADR-HFT).

The Centre’s primary purpose is to develop the highly specialised workforce that is needed to underpin world-leading capability in HF systems and Over-The-Horizon-Radar (OTHR) – Australia’s Jindalee Operational Radar Network (JORN).

JORN provides wide area surveillance of the country’s northern approaches and is one of only three such HF systems globally.

The Premier of South Australia said: “This centre will see some of the best minds in the defence workforce of the future trained to support the world’s leading surveillance technology to maintain peace in our region.

“Australian technology that helps the Australian Defence Force’s to maintain the peace in our region.”

Australia has a globally competitive edge in HF radar technology and JOIN will focus on research in HF systems and ionospheric physics and educate and upskill experts in these areas.

Staff recruited will include two professorial chair positions: a BAE-funded Chair in HF Systems at the School of Electrical and Mechanical Engineering; and a Defence funded Chair in Space and Ionospheric Physics at the School of Physics, Chemistry and Earth Sciences.

Chief Executive Officer, BAE Systems Australia Ben Hudson said: “The JOIN Centre represents a new era of collaboration and will create opportunities, expedite research and lead to break through advancements in high frequency systems.

“It will continue Australia’s reputation as being a world-leader in the development and export of high frequency technology.”

JORN is currently being upgraded and maintained by BAE Systems and its network of trusted industry partners. The ten-year upgrade will improve aircraft detection sensitivity and extend the life of JORN beyond 2040.

Dr Sylvie Perreau, Chief Sensors and Effectors Division, Defence Science Technology Group said: “It is essential that we grow sovereign skills, encourage innovation and invest in novel technologies, to ensure that Australia maintains the highest level of military capability, and scientific and technological sophistication.”

Picture: Jindalee Operational Radar Network