Arctic Over-the-Horizon Radar project selects Clearview Township for signal transmission and reception site
The Department of National Defence (DND) has announced that the initial stages of the Arctic Over-the-Horizon Radar (A-OTHR) project will begin at two sites in southern Ontario: Kawartha Lakes and Clearview Township.
The Kawartha Lakes Site, located north of Bexley Township in the City of Kawartha Lakes, Ontario, will serve as a permanent transmit site, covering an area of 163 hectares. On the other hand, the Clearview Township Site, situated in Clearview Township, Ontario, will be used as a preliminary receive site, offering over 288 hectares of agricultural land.
The A-OTHR project is a key component of Canada's $38.6 billion plan to modernise its contribution to the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD). This advanced radar system is designed to provide early warning radar coverage and threat tracking, significantly expanding the Canadian Armed Forces' situational awareness of objects approaching and entering Canadian airspace from the North.
For the system's full operational capability, four permanent sites are required, with two each for transmit and receive locations. While the initial two sites have been identified, the DND is currently exploring potential locations for the remaining sites in southern Ontario.
In preparation for the construction of the remaining sites, DND plans to conduct several environmental and site studies. To ensure transparency and public engagement, a public engagement period will be launched to provide more information and allow the public to share feedback and ask questions.
The DND has stated that the selection of the first two sites is a major milestone towards reinforcing Canada's security and sovereignty in the Arctic. With an expected initial operational capability by the end of 2029, the A-OTHR project is set to play a crucial role in Canada's defence strategy.
This development follows Canada's announcement in June 2022 of its plan to modernise its contribution to NORAD, aiming to enhance the country's readiness and response capabilities in the North. Over-the-horizon radar, like the A-OTHR, can conduct surveillance at far greater ranges than regular radar technology by bouncing radar beams off the earth's ionosphere.
As the project progresses, the DND will continue to work closely with local communities, stakeholders, and the public to ensure a smooth and successful implementation of the A-OTHR system.
- The A-OTHR project, a significant component of Canada's $38.6 billion plan to modernize its contribution to NORAD, is rooted in Advanced Radar Technology that surpasses the capabilities of conventional radar by performing surveillance at distant ranges, using the earth's ionosphere to bounce radar beams.
- The initial stages of the A-OTHR project, designed for early warning radar coverage and threat tracking, will begin at two sites in southern Ontario: Kawartha Lakes and Clearview Township.
- The DND's exploration for potential locations of the remaining four permanent sites for transmit and receive locations in southern Ontario is underway to ensure the full operational capability of the A-OTHR system, as it plays a critical role in Canada's defence strategy.
- To augment transparency, public engagement, and garner feedback, the DND will introduce a public engagement period, sharing more information about the project's progress and answering questions from the public.
- The Arctic Over-the-Horizon Radar (A-OTHR) project holds significant implications for Canada's future, with an expected initial operational capability by the end of 2029, reinforcing the country's security and sovereignty in the Arctic, as well as potentially impacting the local industry, finance, and space-and-astronomy sectors through investing in advanced technology.
- In the spirit of collaboration and mutual understanding, the DND plans to maintain closer ties with local communities, stakeholders, and the public, fostering seamless and successful implementation of the A-OTHR system throughout its development.
