CAMPAIGNERS from Pembrokeshire-based PARC Against DARC visited the Senedd on Wednesday (March 5) to present their opposition to the proposed Deep Space Advanced Radar Concept (DARC) at Brawdy. The group argues the AUKUS-backed military proposal, supported by US President Donald Trump, could escalate tensions in space with China.

Twelve Members of the Senedd (MSs) from various political parties have endorsed a Statement of Opinion recognising widespread opposition to the project. The statement highlights concerns over DARC’s visual impact, potential health risks, and regional security implications. A petition against the proposal has gathered nearly 17,000 signatures, with campaigners calling for a Welsh Government commission to assess the issue.

Political support growing

A spokesperson for PARC Against DARC said: “Today marks a significant shift in the political impact of our campaign. We now have cross-party backing, including from Welsh Labour MSs, strong support from Plaid Cymru, and support from the Welsh Liberal Democrats’ Senedd representative, Jane Dodds.

“For the many people opposing DARC in Pembrokeshire, this shows the Senedd at its best—reflecting the views of the people who elect it. We urge all MSs to heed our community’s concerns and support the Statement of Opinion.”

The spokesperson continued: “The proposal to construct a 27-dish radar array on the skyline of the St Davids peninsula—a natural treasure and a key attraction for Welsh tourism—has been ill-conceived from the outset. The Senedd Members we met today are standing on the right side of history by opposing it.”

Concerns over militarisation

Sioned Williams MS attended the event, stating: “Plaid Cymru has a proud tradition of promoting peace, and this US militaristic project has no place in Wales.”

The campaigners argue that the DARC radar would serve Trump’s agenda for US space dominance and support Elon Musk’s rapidly expanding SpaceX network. They said: “Local opposition to this project is strong, with Pembrokeshire having a long history of resisting such proposals.

“With ‘untrustable Trump’ in the White House and Keir Starmer acting as a subordinate UK partner, we cannot assume the US will remain a reliable ally by the time DARC is completed. If this goes ahead, we risk inviting the enemy inside the gate.”

The ‘Highlighting Militarism in Wales’ event featured speeches from local PARC campaigners Roy Jones and Jim Scott, along with presentations from Academi Heddwch, Cymdeithas y Cymod, Quakers Wales, the Cardiff UN Association, and Stop the War Cardiff.

Peace vigil held at Senedd

Following the presentations, a televised Vigil for Peace took place on the steps of the Senedd. Ali Lochhead from CND Cymru spoke about the group’s vision for a peaceful Wales. The event concluded with a performance by Côr Cochion Choir and the symbolic release of two peace doves.

Heledd Fychan MS, who sponsored the event, said: “On this UN International Day for Disarmament and Non-Proliferation Awareness, I am proud to support this event highlighting militarism in Wales.

“Plaid Cymru has a long-standing history of opposing militarism and advocating for peace. We remain committed to supporting Pembrokeshire residents in their fight against the DARC project. Today’s discussions were insightful and provided Senedd Members with a deeper understanding of the strength of opposition.”

Call to reduce military spending

Campaigners also criticised the global arms race, stating: “While Trump’s erratic realignment of global power is dangerous and unpredictable, we support his suggestion that all superpowers should reduce military spending.

“Scrapping unnecessary AUKUS infrastructure like DARC would be a meaningful step towards ending the cycle of militarisation. We, along with other campaigners in the Senedd today, believe public resources should be invested in developing future technologies and improving lives, rather than continuing outdated and unaffordable military standoffs.”

PARC Against DARC is urging Welsh residents to sign their petition and email Senedd Members to oppose the project. A template for lobbying is available on the campaign’s website: www.parcagainstdarc.com/lobbying.