BAE Systems announces JORN bid

BAE Systems has put together a team and announced its bid to upgrade Australia’s long-range high frequency (HF) radar network.

The $1 billion Jindalee Operational Radar Network (JORN) upgrade and support project is for Australia’s only real-time, long-range HF radar detection system that protects the country’s northern borders.  

BAE Systems was the first manufacturer of Australia’s long range HF radar used in JORN. The network provides situational awareness and support for the Australian Defence Force’s air and maritime operations, as well as wide area surveillance and information for the government’s border protection, disaster relief, and search and rescue activities. 

BAE Systems’ team for the bid includes Raytheon as strategic partner, South Australian-based defence company Daronmont Technologies, and facilities management company RCR Resolve FM. 

Raytheon will provide systems integration and engineering alongside BAE Systems.

Daronmont has systems integration, software and engineering expertise that complements the team. The company will also provide sounders and transponders for all JORN sites as well as software products. RCR Resolve FM will contribute remote site facilities management to the team. 

Glynn Phillips, BAE Systems Australia’s chief executive officer, said: ‘We are very pleased to be able to bring together a group of companies with the in-country expertise and technological skills necessary to upgrade and support JORN.

‘We have selected our partners not only to ensure that the Commonwealth is supported by leaders in our individual fields, but to deliver a programme where local knowledge, local expertise and local talent will contribute to the evolution of JORN, ensuring sovereign control of the technology, and building a foundation for future defence exports.’