Over-the-Horizon Radar (JORN)

The Jindalee Operational Radar Network (JORN) is a system of three over-the-horizon radar stations that bounces HF signals off the ionosphere to detect aircraft, ships, and missiles at ranges exceeding 3,000km. Developed by Australia's Defence Science and Technology Group over four decades, JORN provides continuous wide-area surveillance across northern and western approaches, covering the Indian Ocean and Indonesian archipelago. Continuous upgrades through Joint Project 2025 phases have enhanced sensitivity, enabling tracking of smaller targets and faster area-of-interest switching.

JORN represents one of the world's most advanced OTH radar capabilities, providing Australia with strategic early warning that most nations achieve only through satellite constellations costing orders of magnitude more. The system's ability to detect stealth aircraft and ballistic missile launches from thousands of kilometers away makes it a cornerstone of Australian and allied defense posture in the Indo-Pacific. JORN also supports civilian functions including ionospheric research and maritime domain awareness.

The March 2025 announcement that Canada would purchase JORN technology for AU$6.5B for Arctic deployment validated decades of Australian R&D investment and established Australia as a defense technology exporter rather than merely a customer. This export deal — one of Australia's largest defense technology sales — demonstrates that sovereign capability can generate significant returns. The technology's relevance to Arctic surveillance, Indo-Pacific security, and space situational awareness ensures sustained global demand.