The technology is expected to support Australian border protection operations by delivering long-range, high-altitude surveillance capabilities to the special mission fixed-wing aircraft.

“Long-range detection of small targets from higher altitudes increases surveillance coverage and improves Australia’s capability to detect and counter civil maritime security threats,” Denis Donohue, president of surveillance and networks systems for RI&S, said.

Cobham Special Mission managing director James Woodhams said the technology would ensure the fleet is best equipped to patrol Australia’s 8.2-million-square-kilometre exclusive economic zone.

“Having new-generation technology on our Dash 8 fleet ensures these platforms remain relevant and fit for purpose to conduct border surveillance missions in the national interest,” he said.

Raytheon is set to undertake the work from its RI&S facilities in McKinney, Texas.

This latest contract builds on RI&S’ previous work supporting Cobham’s surveillance operations, which include patrolling oil and gas fields, shipping lanes, and fisheries.

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Raytheon’s support has included delivering previous versions of the SeaVue radar since 1995.

SeaVue maritime surveillance radars are currently leveraged on both manned and unmanned aircraft in nine countries around the world.

[Related: Raytheon, Northrop Grumman advance hypersonic missile development]