Gov’t Commits US$1M to Complete Defence Force Cyber and Radar Upgrade

The Government has committed an additional US$1 million to complete the second and third phases of the Defence Force’s communications and cyber upgrade—pushing the total investment in the project to more than US$2.6 million.

During a tour of the Antigua and Barbuda Defence Force (ABDF) headquarters, Prime Minister Gaston Browne and his Cabinet received a detailed briefing on the Force’s new Communications and Cyber Infrastructure.

The centrepiece of the upgrades is a Secure Operations Centre, designed as the central hub for all ABDF communications, including radios, telephony, CCTV, and real-time tracking of soldiers and assets. The facility operates under tight security, with restricted access to safeguard sensitive operations.

So far, Phase 1 of the radar and tracking programme has been delivered, at a cost of several million dollars. Radar towers at Boggy Peak (Antigua) and Central Point (Barbuda) now provide 360-degree coverage up to 40 miles offshore, integrated with St. Kitts’ system to create a regional network.

The investment also includes an Automated Identification System (AIS) to detect erratic vessel movements, supporting interdiction and rescue missions.

To reduce dependence on commercial internet, the ABDF installed a microwave communication system, a move that not only boosts resilience but also trims operational risks.

International partners have already pledged US$1.6 million toward the IT overhaul, leaving a funding gap of roughly US$1 million. Cabinet has now stepped in to co-finance that shortfall, ensuring the project moves ahead without delays.

Officials stressed that the financial outlay is not simply about defence, but about national resilience. “Every dollar spent here secures our borders, strengthens our disaster response, and reduces long-term dependency,” one government source said.

With the new allocation, the ABDF is expected to fully operationalize its cyber and radar systems in the coming year delivering one of the most advanced small-island surveillance networks in the Eastern Caribbean.