This week in Australian foreign affairs: Australia and Canada sign landmark $2.5 billion Over the Horizon Radar export agreement, the nation’s largest-ever defence export; Australia boosts support for Ukraine’s defence with an additional $100 million in military assistance; Prime Minister Albanese pays tribute to UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and more.
On 19 June, the Albanese Government announced an additional $100 million in assistance to Ukraine for critical military equipment, as the country continues its fight against Russia’s invasion. Following a commitment of $50 million to the Prioritised Ukraine Requirements List (PURL) in December last year, Australia will make two additional $50 million contributions over the next 12 months. In partnership with NATO, Australia is supporting Ukraine to secure critical military equipment and capabilities, including air defence capabilities and munitions. This brings Australia’s overall support for Ukraine to over $1.8 billion, including more than $1.6 billion in military assistance since the start of the conflict. Australia continues to participate in the Coalition of the Willing, a group of more than 35 countries strengthening support for Ukraine, and the Australian Defence Force continues to train Armed Forces of Ukraine personnel under Operation Kudu, now conducted in Poland under the Norwegian-led Operation Legio. Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles said, “What happens in Ukraine matters here in the Indo-Pacific, which is why it is so important for Australia to stay the course and continue to stand with Ukraine until they find peace on their terms,” adding that “Australia was proud to be the first non-NATO contributor to the Prioritised Ukraine Requirements List, alongside New Zealand.”
On 22 June, the Albanese Government delivered the nation’s largest ever defence export, signing a government-to-government arrangement with Canada to export an Australian Over the Horizon Radar (OTHR) system. The $2.5 billion agreement marks the first international sale of Australia’s world-leading OTHR technology, building on the proven success of the Jindalee Operational Radar Network (JORN) while supporting hundreds of Australian industry jobs. Australia’s Department of Defence worked with the Canadian Department of National Defence to develop requirements for Canada’s Arctic Over the Horizon Radar (A-OTHR) capability, with the commitment to collaborate reaffirmed by Prime Minister Albanese and Prime Minister Carney in March 2026. The project will support approximately 300 high-value technical jobs in Australia, with industry partner BAE Systems Australia set to commence delivery of Canada’s A-OTHR capability on 1 July 2026. Prime Minister Albanese said, “Australia is a world leader in Over the Horizon Radar technology, and this agreement showcases Australian innovation,” adding that “today’s agreement marks a significant milestone in Australian defence trade and lays the foundation for deeper and mutually beneficial defence industry collaboration with Canada.” Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles described it as “the biggest defence export agreement in Australia’s history,” noting it “reflects our close and long-standing friendship with Canada.” Minister for Defence Industry Pat Conroy called JORN “a great Aussie success story,” adding that the arrangement “represents a powerful example of how defence exports support economic growth, build high-technology capability, and strengthen national resilience.”
On 22 June, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese issued a statement on UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s resignation, describing him as a friend and reflecting on their work together. Mr Albanese said, “Serving in public life is a tremendous privilege but politics can also be a harsh business,” and noted that “when the time comes for Keir to leave Downing Street, he can be proud of the contribution he has made to the country he loves and to the Labour Party that he led back to Government in 2024.” The Prime Minister said he was “grateful for the opportunities we had to work together to strengthen our AUKUS defence and security partnership, support the brave people of Ukraine and keep children safe from the damage that social media can do.”
On 23 June, Prime Minister Albanese spoke at the opening of the Atrium and Anzac Hall at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra, an addition he described as “a sublime and powerful addition” and “an act of profound respect from the nation to all who have served in our name, and all who serve now.” The Prime Minister reflected on personal artefacts on display, including the story of Captain Lukas Wilds and the windows of G for George.
On 24 June, Prime Minister Albanese spoke at the Embassy of the United States of America in Canberra to mark the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. The Prime Minister reflected on the shared democratic traditions of Australia and the United States, paid tribute to outgoing Chargée d’Affaires Erika Olson, and looked ahead to welcoming incoming Ambassador David Brat, closing by wishing the United States “a wonderful 250th birthday.”
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