QinetiQ, the UK Ministry of Defence, Australian Department of Defence and Canberra-based CEA Technologies (CEA) to progress the potential adoption of Australia’s advanced radar technology by the UK, for its frontline services.
The UK’s Minister for Defence Readiness and Industry, Luke Pollard and Australian Minister for Defence Industry Pat Conroy, joined the signing of a statement of intent which took place at the CEA factory in Canberra.
“Today, we are deepening our industrial cooperation with Australia on cutting-edge radar technologies. By bringing QinetiQ's expertise together with CEA's world-class radar technology, we can strengthen the warfighting readiness of both our nations while backing jobs and growth on both sides of the world," Minister for Defence Readiness and Industry, Luke Pollard, said.
QinetiQ will play a crucial role in the integration, testing and assurance of the CEA Radar capability across the UK defence enterprise, with the hope of strengthening warfighting readiness and the UK industrial base.
“QinetiQ’s unique expertise positions us as a strategic and trusted partner to the UK Ministry of Defence and its allies. Current conflicts remind us of the importance of air defences, which are increasingly under pressure, and QinetiQ is proud to play a key role in bringing this vital technology to the UK," QinetiQ, Group Chief Executive Officer, Steve Wadey, said.
The signing has built on commitments made at the Australia-UK Ministerial Consultations, (AUKMIN), in June, where both governments announced their deepening co-operation, exploring the development and production of an Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar capability.
“Today’s signing is an important milestone for CEA and the Australian and UK defence industries. It reflects the confidence both governments have in CEA’s world-leading radar technology and the important role industry partnerships play in strengthening sovereign capability," CEA, Chief Executive Officer, Alan Clements, said.
The parties emphasised the joint statement of intent provides a framework for continued co-operation as future opportunities are explored.
"This Statement of Intent represents another important step in the growing defence and industrial partnership between Australia and the United Kingdom. Today’s signing helps to accelerate readiness and strengthen capability for both nations while creating new opportunities for collaboration across our respective defence industries," QinetiQ Australia, Chief Executive, Corry Neale, said.