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The University of Adelaide, Department of Defence, and BAE Systems Australia have announced the establishment of the JORN Open Innovation Network Centre for Advanced Defence Research in HF Technologies.
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Located at the University of Adelaide’s North Terrace Campus, the centre is designed to develop Australia’s future HF and over-the-horizon radar workforce as part of the Jindalee Operational Radar Network (JORN).
The partners hope that the new centre will improve radar performance through enhanced research and facilitate innovation in over-the-horizon radar technology.
Research will focus on HF systems, ionospheric physics, while upskilling experts in these fields.
A University of Adelaide spokesperson confirmed that the centre hopes to achieve these goals by sourcing an expert leadership team.
This is set to include a BAE-funded chair in HF systems at the School of Electrical and Mechanical Engineering and a Defence funded chair in space and ionospheric physics at the School of Physics, Chemistry and Earth Sciences.
They hope to attract post-doctoral fellows and address challenges in the HF field.
JORN delivers area surveillance of Australia’s northern approaches, providing essential intelligence for ADF air and maritime operations, border protection, as well as disaster relief and rescue operations.
The network relies on locally developed HF technologies.
“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,” said Professor Peter Høj AC, University of Adelaide vice-chancellor and president.
“The new centre will sustain a skilled workforce for a sovereign capability and promote innovation to support JORN and other defence projects involving high-frequency technology.”
Air Commodore Regina Gorton, Director General Air and Space Surveillance and Control at CASG, applauded Australia’s heritage in HF technology.
“Australia has a proud heritage in research and development of HF sensing technology that has produced and enhanced the over-the-horizon radar technology and the Jindalee Operational Radar Network. JORN provides critical surveillance for the Integrated Force, enabling Australia’s National Defence objectives,” AIRCDRE Gorton added.
“This collaboration is important for nurturing and advancing the HF sensing technologies that will help to ensure JORN remains the world’s leading over-the-horizon radar system into the future. Defence appreciates this partnership that will also foster the development of science and technology skills and provide opportunity for emerging talent.”
The Centre represents a shared commitment between industry, academia, and government, Ben Hudson, chief executive officer at BAE Systems Australia, said.
“Advancing Australian industry is a core value for BAE Systems Australia and is a shared goal with the Commonwealth of Australia and the University of Adelaide.
“The JOIN Centre represents a new era of collaboration and will create opportunities, expedite research, and lead to breakthrough advancements in high-frequency systems.
“It will continue Australia’s reputation as being a world leader in the development and export of high-frequency technology.”
