AT Plaid Cymru’s recent Cardiff conference, the party showed overwhelming support for the local Pembrokeshire campaign opposing the Ministry of Defence’s (MoD) Deep Space Advanced Radar Capability (DARC) project. Delegates unanimously backed a motion committing the party to fight against the proposed radar installation at Cawdor Barracks, Brawdy, amid growing concerns from local communities about its impact on the environment, tourism, and local livelihoods.

The Pembrokeshire Against the Radar Campaign (PARC), which has spearheaded efforts to stop the DARC project, hailed the decision as a “hugely significant moment.” PARC claims the MoD has been largely unresponsive to local concerns, with no substantial engagement from Welsh Labour, despite a petition signed by over 16,000 local residents. The group asserts that Plaid Cymru’s support signals an escalation in political pressure and believes it will become a key issue in the 2026 Senedd elections.

A campaign gathers momentum

PARC’s spokesperson stated, “Plaid Cymru’s decision to support us against DARC radar is a major step forward. Welsh Labour’s silence on the issue has been frustrating, and the local community is growing increasingly impatient. Today’s vote sends a clear message that if Labour continues to ignore the issue, political pressure will increase.”

The campaign, which has also gained backing from the Wales Green Party, is putting additional pressure on the Liberal Democrats to take a stance. With growing cross-party support, the group believes that this will be a defining issue in the upcoming elections, particularly with the expansion of the Senedd to 96 members. PARC hopes that a coalition between Plaid Cymru, the Greens, and potentially the Lib Dems could force Welsh Labour to rethink its stance on DARC.

The MoD’s perspective

In contrast, the MoD has defended the DARC project, citing its critical importance for national security. The radar, which is part of a broader international collaboration between the UK, Australia, and the US under the AUKUS alliance, is designed to detect and track objects in deep space. The MoD asserts that DARC will play a vital role in protecting essential satellite networks that underpin both civilian and military operations, ranging from navigation systems to climate monitoring.

John Healey, the Defence Secretary, has emphasised that the project will not only enhance the UK’s space awareness but also secure long-term jobs in Pembrokeshire. Up to 100 personnel will be stationed at Cawdor Barracks to operate and maintain the radar system, ensuring the site remains active beyond its previously planned closure in 2028. Healey described the radar as essential for both national defence and daily civilian life, from banking services to mobile phone communications.

Addressing local concerns

The MoD has also acknowledged local concerns regarding the environmental and health impacts of the radar system. To address these, it is conducting a comprehensive Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) alongside a Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment. The MoD has assured the community that DARC will meet stringent international safety standards set by organisations such as the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP). These evaluations will be key in securing planning consent from Pembrokeshire County Council.

Public engagement has been central to the MoD’s approach. In September 2024, two public information sessions were held in Solva and St Davids, where residents could raise their concerns and seek clarity on the project. The MoD has pledged to continue its dialogue with the local community, emphasising that it wants to work collaboratively on the development of the site.

Opposition remains strong

Despite the MoD’s efforts to reassure the public, opposition to the project remains strong. PARC continues to argue that the radar will have far-reaching negative impacts on the local tourism industry, property values, and the unique natural habitats in the region. The group has staged several protests, including a high-profile demonstration that garnered national attention, and has established an encampment outside Cawdor Barracks.

PARC also highlights the strategic risks of hosting such a large-scale military installation, arguing that the radar could make Pembrokeshire a prime target in the event of global conflicts. The group remains committed to using all available legal and planning mechanisms to halt the project.

“We believe that DARC poses a real threat to our landscape, economy, and health,” said a PARC spokesperson. “This is not just about local opposition—it’s about protecting our region and making sure Wales isn’t unnecessarily drawn into US foreign policy. We will continue to fight this with everything we’ve got.”

As the campaign continues to grow, it seems certain that the debate over DARC will dominate local politics in Pembrokeshire in the coming years. Both the MoD and local opposition are preparing for a protracted battle over the future of Cawdor Barracks and the role of deep-space radar in West Wales.