The UK is continuing to explore the potential use of Australian-developed Active Electronically Scanned Array radar technology on British platforms, following talks between defence ministers in London.
In a joint statement issued after the Australia–UK Defence Industry Dialogue on 23 February, ministers confirmed that cooperation on AESA radar technology had deepened since last year’s Australia-UK Ministerial Consultations. The statement noted progress on “exploring the potential of using Australian AESA radar technologies for the UK”, with both sides agreeing to undertake targeted risk-reduction activities to inform future decisions.
While no specific platforms were named, the language signals that the UK remains open to integrating Australian radar technology into future maritime or air programmes, subject to technical assessment and testing. The Dialogue, hosted by UK Minister for Defence Readiness and Industry Luke Pollard and attended by Australian Defence Industry Minister Pat Conroy, was revived as a formal mechanism to drive industrial cooperation and support delivery of AUKUS.
On industrial resilience, both sides committed to closer work on munitions and energetics supply chains, critical minerals and steel production linked to the SSN-AUKUS programme. The statement also highlighted efforts to improve frictionless defence trade, including mobility, security clearances and cyber standards. In relation to submarines, ministers welcomed the arrival of HMS Anson in Western Australia and ongoing work to integrate the Australian and UK submarine industrial bases under AUKUS Pillar I. They also reaffirmed their intent to accelerate advanced capability projects under Pillar II, focused on near-term warfighting objectives.
Not BAE’s future radar sets?
Is CEAFAR really that good?
It’s definitely good enough to be worth considering. I expect that we’ll probably go with BAE long-term, though. This is merely an admission that the option is on the table, not that it has been selected.
Would it be a more capable option for Type 31 down the line if CAMM MR becomes a thing which might require a more capable radar. As faster missiles enter service will a basic rotating set suffice?
It would be way overkill for that.
If you need better air volume search then the spot for the 1850 remains vacant.
I’d be surprised if we ended sovereign radar development.
The 1850 is software upgradeable as well if my memory serves me, it’s a great radar for its intended purpose.
It is, but it’s still a passive electronically scanned array (PESA), which has its limitations. Thales who make the SMART-L that the S1850M is based upon, have the SMART-L MM, which is now an active electronically scanned array (AESA). The MM version has a substantially better detection range over the PESA version. This is the version the T45s should be getting as it has a much better detection capability against ballistic missiles. The S1850M is still a very good radar, that could be used to increase the capabilities of the T26 and T31.
Thanks for explanation.
I know there is a train of thought that says Sampson is so good it doesn’t need 1850. But for me it does seem to be useful. Would certainly go well with either T26 or 31 & add capability to both I believe
Thanks for explanation.
I know there is a train of thought that says Sampson is so good it doesn’t need 1850. But for me it does seem to be useful. Would certainly go well with either T26 or 31 & add capability to both I believe
this prevents BAE from getting too complacent. There is an alternative
Yeah, that’s one angle of it. Prevents BAE for robbing the MoD.