Canberra's CEA Technologies names Alan Clements as new chief executive

Alan Clements served in the Royal Australian Air Force for more than three decades in flying and command positions. Photo: CEA Technologies.

Former senior air force officer and defence industry leader Alan Clements AO has been appointed as the next CEO of Canberra-based radar manufacturer, CEA Technologies, effective 1 June.

Mr Clements was most recently the vice-president of L3Harris Technologies Australia and New Zealand, and prior to that served in the Royal Australian Air Force for more than 30 years where he retired with the rank of Air Vice-Marshal.

Mr Clements was an HS.748 and F/A-18A Hornet pilot in the RAAF, and he served as Commanding Officer of 77 Squadron, Officer Commanding 78 Wing, as Commandant of the Australian Defence Force Academy (ADFA), and as Head of Australian Defence Staff (HADS) in Washington DC.

He is also a board member of Safeskies Australia, holds the role of president of the Governing Committee of Fighter World Aviation Museum in Newcastle, and is also on the Governing Committee of LIFT Youth Development.

He was awarded the Conspicuous Service Cross in 2016, and was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia in 2021 in recognition of outstanding leadership and service.

The Chair of CEA’s Board, Joycelyn Morton described Mr Clements as an outstanding leader with significant experience across defence and industry bringing a strong understanding of the strategic environment in which CEA operates.

“His proven ability to oversee complex organisations, deliver capability outcomes and build strong relationships across government and the broader defence sector makes him exceptionally well placed to lead CEA,” she said.

“The board is confident Alan will build on the company’s strong foundations and continue to strengthen its contribution to Australia’s sovereign defence capability.”

CEA Technologies was founded in Canberra in 1983, and for more than four decades has designed and manufactured some of the world’s most advanced radar arrays. The company was partly owned by US defence giant Northrop Grumman for about a decade, before the Federal Government acquired an ownership stake in the company in 2023.

Projects the company has provided radar arrays for include the Project SEA 1448 Phase 2 Anti-Ship Missile Defence and Phase 4B Air Search Radar upgrades for the RAN’s eight ANZAC class frigates, and it has been selected to provide air defence and search arrays for the Navy’s forthcoming Project SEA 5000 Hunter-class frigates.

It also provides radar arrays for the Australian Army’s Project LAND 19 Phase 7B Enhanced NASAMS short-range ground-based air defence program, and its sensors have also been acquired by the RAAF for the Project AIR 3024 Phase 1 Woomera Range Radar upgrade, the AIR 5439 Phase 6 Advanced Growler program, and the AIR 6500 Phase 1 Tranche 1 Joint Air Battle Management System.

A company statement said Mr Clements would join the company at an important stage in its evolution as a government business enterprise, bringing extensive leadership experience across defence, industry and government.

He will lead the company as it continues to deliver critical sovereign capability in support of Australia’s strategic defence priorities, with a strong focus on program delivery, innovation, research and development, and sustainable growth.

Mr Clements said he was honoured to join the company at such an important time.

“I am excited to be joining CEA at a time when sovereign capability, innovation and delivery have never been more important to Australia’s national security,” he said.

“CEA has an outstanding reputation, world-leading technical expertise and innovation, and is critical in supporting defence capability outcomes.

“I look forward to working with the board, staff, government stakeholders and industry partners to build on that strong foundation, and support the company’s continued growth and success.”

In a government statement, Defence Minister Richard Marles said, “Mr Clements’ strong defence leadership experience and deep understanding of capability development and delivery will support CEA’s continued growth as a local manufacturer of technologies that enable critical Australian Defence Force capabilities.”

Minister for Finance Katy Gallagher added, “Mr Clements brings extensive experience to this role and will play an important part in helping CEA Technologies continue to deliver for Australia while strengthening our sovereign defence capability.

“CEA Technologies is a great Canberra success story, they support highly skilled local jobs and innovation here in the national capital, and this appointment will help the company continue to grow and thrive with the backing of the Commonwealth Government.”