JORN – the Jindalee Operational Radar Network – operates three radars in Alice Springs in the Northern Territory, Longreach in Queensland and Laverton in Western Australia.

The radar system is designed to provide surveillance to a range of 1,000 to 3,000 kilometres, supporting the Australian Defence Force’s maritime capabilities, border surveillance, disaster relief and search and rescue operations.

According to a release from BAE Systems Australia, the JORN detects aircraft and ships by refracting high frequency radio waves off of the ionosphere. This enables the radars to see over the horizon.

“Starting site works is a significant achievement, a first step to achieving a key milestone in the project and a demonstration of the teams’ dedication to a critical national security asset,” Andrew Gresham, managing director defence delivery at BAE Systems Australia, said.

“The upgrade will introduce new technology, hardware and software that will enhance the existing capability and continue protecting Australia’s northern approaches well into the future.

“Our collaborative approach with Defence and Australian industry has delivered a world-leading, unique capability.

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“The strategic importance of JORN has never been greater. It is a key part of Australia’s national security network and critical for our current, and future, sovereign security.”

Trish Denison, remote site operations project manager JORN sustainment, welcomed the commencement of the site works.

“I am very proud to be able to support both the group of workers who are maintaining such an important asset and those who are delivering the next generation upgrade,” Denison said.

“It really is exciting to see physical work beginning on-site, in line with the schedule we had been aiming for.

“What we do is exciting and such a crucial part of Australia’s national security.”

[Related: JORN program secures ISO certification]