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Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Richard Marles has used a visit to the United States to announce an expansion of Australia’s deep space surveillance and space domain awareness capabilities, set to transform Exmouth, Western Australia.
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Joining his US counterpart, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, and UK Minister for Defence Grant Shapps at the second AUKUS Defence Ministers’ Meeting in California, Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Richard Marles confirmed that the Australian government has entered into an agreement with the United States and the United Kingdom to further advance Australia’s defence space capabilities.
As part of this, Australia, the United States, and the United Kingdom will collaborate on the Deep Space Advanced Radar Capability. The new Australian Deep Space Advanced Radar Capability site will be installed near Exmouth in Western Australia and is expected to be operational by 2026.
Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Richard Marles said, “Australia’s interests in space are not bound by geography. Strengthening Australia’s defence capabilities in the space domain and working with our partners is a prudent response to our changing strategic environment.”
This capability will provide 24-hour continuous global and all-weather coverage to track and identify objects in deep space, boosting our ability to detect and deter space-based threats.
“The installation of a Deep Space Advanced Radar Capability site demonstrates the Albanese government’s commitment to lifting our capacity and rapidly translating disruptive new technologies into Australian Defence Force capability, deepening our strong AUKUS partnership,” the Deputy Prime Minister explained.
The Australian site will integrate with other sites in the United States and the United Kingdom, providing a space domain awareness capability across the AUKUS partnership. The construction of the site is expected to create up to 100 jobs, with further opportunities for Australian industry through the operation and sustainment of the site.
The Deputy Prime Minister stressed the importance of this agreement, saying, “This investment harnesses technological advances to maintain a leading edge in Australia’s capability and contribute to strategic deterrence in the region. We will continue to work with our partners to build a region that is stable, peaceful, and prosperous, and where sovereignty, including space sovereignty, is respected.”
The government explained that this is a practical example of what AUKUS partners can achieve working together, enhancing defence capabilities and better enabling Australians to make a contribution to a safer, more secure, and prosperous Indo-Pacific region.
