New aerial surveillance contract for Border Force

The contract will come into effect on 1 January 2028, for a fleet of 11 aircraft that ABF says will “provide short and long‑range aerial surveillance with enhanced national coverage, operating 24/7, year‑round”.

“This will further strengthen Australia’s civil maritime surveillance and border protection, ensuring continuity of capability, and delivering a step‑change in performance, coverage, and surveillance technologies,” the agency said.

“The capability will deliver improved range, endurance, advanced sensor technology and enhanced operational reach, providing near real-time information sharing, while contributing to a strengthened national common operating picture.”

Metrea provides effects-as-a-service to national security partners across multiple domains and over a dozen mission-centric solution areas, including airborne intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR), aerial refuelling, electromagnetic warfare, secure communications, space-based ISR and advanced simulation.

The company is committed to building on its existing presence in Australia and is advancing plans to scale its local operations to enable sustained, sovereign delivery. This expansion will support regional employment and foster long-term capability sharing, according to Metrea program manager Rory Morse.

“This is an exciting moment for Metrea. This contract reflects our strong track record in delivering complex surveillance operations around the world, and we are proud of the trust the Australian government has placed in our team,” Morse said.

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“Our focus remains on operational excellence, dependable delivery and seamless collaboration to support our customer’s mission requirements every day.”

The contract will include three Bombardier Global 6500 aircraft for maritime surveillance; Bombardier Learjet and Challenger aircraft already perform search-and-rescue and medical evacuation missions in the country.

“The Global 6500 aircraft brings a new level of capability for maritime surveillance, with exceptional range, speed, endurance and reliability,” said Bombardier Defense worldwide sales vice president Michael Anckner.

“Our teams are proud that this game-changing aircraft is the trusted choice to support the Australian Border Force’s aerial surveillance program.”

Metrea also sees opportunities to introduce additional capabilities, including aerial firefighting and electromagnetic and cyber solutions, as part of its broader operational footprint.

These capabilities will further reinforce Metrea’s role as a trusted partner in strengthening Australia’s national resilience and operational readiness.

The contract award reportedly underscores the confidence government partners place in Metrea’s proven capabilities.

Over the past decade, Metrea has conducted more than 170,000 hours of crewed airborne ISR operations across Europe, the United States, Africa and Asia, demonstrating consistent performance in complex, high-tempo environments.