Delayed Decision on NORAD Radar Location Leaves Uncertainty in Ontario

The Canadian government’s decision on the location of a new North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) radar system in Ontario has encountered delays, with officials expressing confidence that the project will still meet its 2028 readiness timeline. This project is part of a broader modernization initiative valued at up to $3 billion.

Initially, the location for the over-the-horizon radar (OTHR) was scheduled to be disclosed in the spring of this year. However, the Department of National Defence has not provided a firm date for announcing the radar’s prospective site. “While it will not be possible to provide a more precise estimate until this work and other analysis is complete, there has been no change to the initial timeline associated with this project when it was announced as part of Canada’s broader NORAD modernization plan,” DND spokesperson Kened Sadiku stated in an email correspondence.

Despite reassurances, industry leaders express concern about the projected timeline. Dipak Roy, executive chairman of D-TA Systems in Ottawa, highlighted the urgency, noting that a contract should have been announced earlier. Roy mentioned that while his firm has presented multiple times to the U.S. Air Force, the Canadian counterpart has lacked such engagements, with “no visibility on the Canadian program.”

Over-the-horizon radar technology extends its surveillance capabilities by utilizing signals bounced off the ionosphere. This advancement allows for a surveillance range extending from a minimum of 500 kilometers to potentially over 3,000 kilometers, capable of tracking aircraft, missiles, and surface vessels.

The estimated cost of the new radar system has increased significantly from under $1 billion to potentially reaching $3 billion. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau emphasized the strategic importance of the system during U.S. President Joe Biden‘s visit to Ottawa in 2023. The radar is set to provide vital Arctic coverage and is expected to be fully online by 2031. In addition to the Ontario installation, a Polar Over-the-Horizon radar is proposed for the Arctic region to ensure extensive monitoring coverage.

More than 500 potential sites have been evaluated, with environmental consultations anticipated before finalizing the location. D-TA Systems, a key player with a history in defense contracts, has contributed significantly by delivering operational radars to Defence Research and Development Canada (DRDC) as part of an agreement costing $30 million.

The resurgence of interest in over-the-horizon radars stems from concerns over the vulnerabilities of current surveillance technology, such as satellites, to advanced weaponry. Besides domestic firms like D-TA Systems, foreign entities like BAE Australia are also under consideration, the latter having their over-the-horizon systems operational within Australia’s Jindalee Operational Radar Network since 2018.

The ongoing situation has stirred frustration within the Canadian aerospace and defense sectors, with domestic companies feeling sidelined as international systems are favored. This sentiment is compounded by the procurement decisions for Canada’s new surface combatants, which predominantly involve technology from U.S. sources.