Plans to redevelop Cawdor Barracks in Pembrokeshire, Wales to
host a landmark radar initiative have been announced by the
Ministry of Defence.
Known as the Deep Space Advanced Radar Capability (DARC), the
initiative will secure long-term jobs and help protect essential
satellite communication and navigation networks.
DARC will see a network of ground-based radars in Australia, the
United Kingdom and the United States provide global space
monitoring, increasing AUKUS nations' ability to detect, track
and identify objects in deep space, up to around 36,000km away
from earth.
This capability will benefit these nations' land, air, and
maritime forces, as well as protecting critical infrastructure
and benefitting domestic construction and space industries. DARC
will play a crucial role in AUKUS nations' ability to support
safety and security in the Indo-Pacific and the rest of the
world.
Defence Secretary, said:
The proposed redevelopment of Cawdor Barracks secures jobs at
home and defence capabilities for the future.
Space plays a crucial role in our daily lives – used by
everything from our mobile phones to banking services. It is also
used by UK Defence to conduct vital tasks such as supporting
military operations, navigating forces and gathering
intelligence.
This new radar programme will not only enhance our awareness of
deep space, but also help protect our space assets alongside our
closest partners.
Cawdor Barracks has a long history of supporting the UK's
military. The site has been both a Royal Air Force flying station
and a Royal Navy base. Currently home to 14 Signal Regiment, the
Ministry of Defence announced in 2016 that the barracks would
close no earlier than 2028. The redevelopment of the site for
DARC would keep the site open, with a permanent presence of up to
100 personnel to operate and maintain the radar capability.
Secretary of State for Wales, said:
I welcome the proposed redevelopment of Cawdor Barracks to host
the UK's Deep Space Advanced Radar Capability (DARC) site, which
would secure jobs and help protect our national security.
This is an important project for Wales and this government is
committed to working with the local community to ensure its
success.
By enhancing our awareness and understanding of what is happening
in space, we can continue to ensure it remains safe, sustainable
and accessible to all.
The Ministry of Defence is committed to undertaking all necessary
planning and environmental processes required to gain consent for
the proposed redevelopment of the site and its safe operation. A
comprehensive Environmental Impact Assessment, including a
Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment, is underway in support of
a planning application to Pembrokeshire County Council. The
Council's granting of planning permission is conditional on DARC
meeting all the required safety standards.
In particular, the safety processes will ensure that DARC meets
international environmental and health standards as set by the
International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection
(ICNIRP) and the World Health Organisation, and this is standard
practice for all MOD installations.
Engagement will also take place with the local community in
developing proposals for DARC and there will be two local public
information events prior to the statutory consultation period
that is required by Pembrokeshire County Council. Members of the
MOD DARC programme team will attend these events to discuss the
proposals, answer any questions and hear local community
views.
Public information events are being hosted over the
period 13-14 September 2024.
Friday, 13 September 2024
4pm-7pm
Solva Memorial Hall, 39 High St, Solva, Haverfordwest SA62
6TE
Saturday, 14 September 2024
10am-2pm
St David's City Hall, High St, St Davids, Haverfordwest SA62
6SD
The information boards will also be uploaded to a dedicated
engagement website on Monday, 16 September 2024.
