Commonwealth Acquisition of CEA Technologies

Joint media release with
The Hon Andrew Hastie MP
Shadow Minister for Defence

27 April 2023

The Coalition welcomes the announcement by the Commonwealth to proceed with a staged acquisition of CEA Technologies Pty Limited, and its future establishment as a Government Business Enterprise (GBE).

This decision continues the important preparatory work undertaken by the former Coalition Government.

It is in Australia’s national interest to ensure leading defence capabilities are developed in Australia. CEA designs, develops and manufactures some of the most advanced and capable active phased array radars in the world.

The securing of these radar capabilities through this Commonwealth acquisition occurs as we are facing the most challenging strategic circumstances since the Second World War, and importantly guarantees the ADF’s access to this technology.

This Commonwealth acquisition will help provide certainty and stability for the future of key capabilities for the Australian Defence Force and Australian defence industry.

The Coalition will continue to work with the Government on a bipartisan approach to the establishment of this new GBE, and ensure its establishment is transparent and accountable.

The Coalition is seeking briefings and further information on this announcement, including the cost and impact on the budget, as well as the details surrounding the proposed timeline, structure, and governance of the staged acquisition and the new GBE.