An Australian university has partnered with the Department of Defence and BAE Systems Australia to establish a research center for the country’s radar network.
The University of Adelaide announced the creation of the JORN Open Innovation Network (JOIN) Centre for Advanced Defence Research in High-Frequency Technologies (CADR-HFT) on October 4.
The center will develop a highly-specialized workforce that will operate Australia’s Jindalee Operational Radar Network (JORN), a radar system operated using high-frequency technologies.
The push for JORN’s upgraded management is expected to extend the life of the radar network beyond 2040.
The university’s North Terrace campus will serve as the center’s base.
Sourcing Top Talent
JOIN CADR-HFT’s main goal is to recruit post-doctoral researchers that will focus on high-frequency technology and ionospheric physics to elevate the Australian Defence Force’s radar technologies.
BAE Systems will fund a chair position in high-frequency systems at the School of Electrical and Mechanical Engineering. Additionally, the DoD will fund the School of Physics, Chemistry and Earth Sciences chair in space and ionospheric physics.
“As a global top 100 university we attract experts who are the leaders in their chosen fields who strive to tackle some of society’s greatest challenges,” Adelaide University Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Peter Høj said about the new opportunities.
“The JOIN Centre for Advanced Defence Research in HF Technologies will be a focus for some of the University’s best minds who will work on cutting-edge science and technology.”
JORN Continues Monitoring
With roots from surveillance tests in World War II, JORN currently serves as Australia’s largest radar system, monitoring air and sea movements across 37,000 square kilometers (14,300 square miles) over its northern areas and neighboring countries.
BAE Systems currently manages its control center and transmission stations in Queensland, Western Australia, and the Northern Territory.
