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High Frequency Surface Wave Radar Technology

An image of two scientists in the outback examining the radar

The High Frequency Surface Wave Radar technology developed by Defence scientists in the 1990s, enables Defence and Customs to better monitor Australia's northern coastline.

The High Frequency Surface Wave Radar is a surveillance tool primarily developed for maritime coastal areas with detection and tracking capability for air and sea targets up to 300 km away. It can detect vessels and low flying aircraft beyond the visible horizon, unlike conventional radars that are limited to line of sight.

In 1996, DSTO (now DST Group) entered into a 10-year licensing agreement with Telstra Applied Technologies to develop and commercialise the system that also involved AWA Defence Industries and GEC Marconi Systems (now both part of BAE Systems Australia).

In 1998, advanced trials of this radar technology were conducted outside Darwin under the name of Project Iluka (meaning ‘by the sea’). The trials were a collaborative exercise between DST and Telstra Advanced Technologies.

The technology was further developed by Daronmont Technologies as Surface-wave Extended Coastal Area Radar (SECAR) and has been formally accepted by the Australian Government for trial.

The High Frequency Surface Wave Radar technology enables Defence and Customs to better monitor Australia’s northern coastline.

Partners

  • Telstra Applied Technologies
  • AWA Defence Industries (now part of BAE Systems Australia)
  • GEC Marconi Systems (now part of BAE Systems Australia)