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Revealed: West Wales drone test sites linked to Israeli weapons firms

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Campaigners warn of growing militarisation and arms trade activity in Ceredigion

ACTIVISTS have raised fresh concerns about the growing role of West Wales in the international arms trade, following the first public meeting of West Wales Against Arms in Cardigan, held in mid-July.

The group has now released the transcript of its second speaker, who gave a detailed breakdown of how defence-linked companies are operating across three key sites near Aberporth—and how some of those companies are directly connected to Israeli military operations.

The speaker explained that three facilities—MOD Aberporth, Parc Aberporth and West Wales Airport—form an interconnected testing zone for military drones and other aerial weapons systems. Together, these sites access 2,500 square miles of segregated airspace above Cardigan Bay, making the area one of the most significant UAV (unmanned aerial vehicle) testing environments in Europe.

Links to Israel and Gaza

According to research presented at the event, several companies operating from these West Wales sites—most notably QinetiQ, Thales and Elbit Systems—are either directly involved in the arms trade with Israel or have developed technologies used in Israeli military campaigns.

Elbit Systems, a major Israeli arms manufacturer and supplier to the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF), has tested its Hermes 450 and Hermes 900 drones at West Wales Airport. These drones have reportedly been used extensively in Gaza, including during Israel’s 2014 “Operation Protective Edge,” which resulted in over 2,000 Palestinian deaths, including hundreds of children.

Although the Hermes 900 was test-flown over Cardigan Bay in 2020, its combat debut came years earlier in Gaza, prompting campaigners to describe West Wales as part of a wider network of sites enabling “battle-proven” weapons development.

QinetiQ and Watchkeeper

UK defence firm QinetiQ—formed from the partial privatisation of the Ministry of Defence’s research arm—operates MOD Aberporth and supports testing and evaluation of drone systems. In partnership with Elbit and Thales, QinetiQ helped develop the UK’s Watchkeeper drone, a system based on Elbit’s Hermes 450.

The Watchkeeper was developed for the British Army but is now being sold internationally, including to Romania under a recent $180 million contract for the “Watchkeeper X” export variant. That drone, according to Elbit, incorporates British communication systems developed by QinetiQ.

QinetiQ holds at least nine UK government-issued export licences for military goods to Israel, and campaigners say the true number may be far higher due to the use of open licences and undisclosed export channels introduced in 2023.

Government support and investment

Parc Aberporth is owned by the Welsh Government, and West Wales Airport—while privately held—has received significant public funding, including a £600,000 grant and a multi-million-pound investment from French weapons giant Thales.

Documents from the Senedd show that the Welsh Government continues to work closely with QinetiQ and the Ministry of Defence to promote the region for space and defence sector expansion.

A growing movement

Campaigners say the information presented at the meeting is just the beginning of a broader push for public scrutiny. “This isn’t about defence—it’s about enabling weapons to be tested on civilians in conflict zones,” one organiser said.

With political pledges from Labour and the Conservatives to increase defence spending, and drone warfare now a core part of modern conflict, West Wales Against Arms say they expect activity in the area to grow—and plan to continue monitoring and reporting on developments at the Aberporth sites.

 

Community

Tenby sailing club works approved by national park

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PLANS for works at Tenby’s historic sailing club building, part of the ‘iconic view’ of the town’s harbour have been given the go-ahead by the national park.

In an application to Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, Tenby Sailing Club, through agent David J P Morgan RIBA Architect sought permission for the two openings in second floor gable wall along with two new windows at Tenby Sailing Club, Penniless Cove Hill, along with a related listed building consent.

The application was supported by Tenby Town Council and Tenby Civic Society, the latter saying it will “add value to the use of the building and maintain the character and value of the listed building and the conservation area”.

Supporting documents for the application said: “The proposal is to form two new openings in the stonework and install two windows. These will replicate the existing windows at first floor level below. The openings will have red brick head as on existing original openings on the building. The proposal will have very little adverse impact on the listed building.”

They added: “The proposed new windows will improve observation of the harbour and bay from the second-floor level. This is where yacht racing is monitored and observed by officials and safety personnel.”

An officer report, recommending approval said: “The sailing club was built as a warehouse c. 1825, abutting the C17 sluice. Originally wine stores, it was later used by the local fishermen for stores and is now the home to Tenby Sailing Club, established in 1936. The rubble-built building is of three storeys and four bays, the glazing all later C20 with a slated roof and a modernised interior. There is a large steel stair to north (seaward) elevation.”

It added: “The building forms part of a group picturesquely clustered around the sluice, in turn forming part of the iconic view of Tenby Harbour. The proposal is to insert two windows at second floor level to the north (seaward) elevation, flanking the existing door,” adding: “The area retains its mercantile character not just in appearance, but also through its character due to ongoing use as fishing boat stores and winter moorings.

“The sailing club has occupied the building for many years and remains very active. The proposal is intended to improve the amenity of the building to provide better viewing at elevation and seeks to copy the detail and proportions of the windows at first floor stage.”

The application, and the related listed building consent, was conditionally approved by park planners.

 

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Community

Pembrokeshire students speak at national Holocaust Memorial Day event

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TWO Haverfordwest High School pupils addressed senior political and religious figures and a Holocaust survivor at Wales’ main commemoration in Cardiff

Holocaust Memorial Day was marked in Cardiff this week with a powerful contribution from two Pembrokeshire students, who were invited to speak at Wales’ national commemoration event.

Awel Jones and Olivia Beal, both Year 13 pupils at Haverfordwest High School, attended the ceremony at the Temple of Peace on Monday (Jan 27) in their roles as ambassadors for the Holocaust Educational Trust.

The pair were asked to deliver speeches reflecting on their work with the Trust and their involvement in the “Lessons from Auschwitz” project, which educates young people about the Holocaust and the dangers of prejudice, discrimination and hatred.

They spoke in front of a distinguished audience that included the First Minister for Wales, Eluned Morgan, the Archbishop of Wales, senior civic leaders and Holocaust survivor Peter Lantos.

The national event formed part of Holocaust Memorial Day 2026, which was held under the theme “bridging generations”, highlighting the responsibility of younger generations to carry forward the lessons of the past as the number of living survivors declines.

Awel Jones and Olivia Beal were the only young Holocaust Educational Trust ambassadors representing Wales at the national ceremony, a distinction described as a significant honour for both the students and Pembrokeshire.

A parent said the occasion was “profoundly emotive and important”, adding that being invited to speak at such a high-profile event was an accolade for the students and a reflection of the strength of Holocaust education work taking place locally.

Holocaust Memorial Day is observed annually on January 27, marking the anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau in 1945.

 

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Business

Final wind turbine deliveries completed after months of disruption

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Last major component reaches site as Dragon LNG and Dragon Energy thank communities for patience

DRAGON LNG and Dragon Energy have confirmed that the final large component for a new wind turbine project has now been successfully delivered, bringing months of complex abnormal load movements on Pembrokeshire roads to an end.

The companies said the final turbine blade was delivered to the site on Wednesday (Jan 28, 2026), marking the completion of all major component deliveries associated with the project.

In a statement, Dragon LNG and Dragon Energy thanked the local community for its patience and cooperation throughout the delivery programme, acknowledging that the operation caused disruption on local roads.

Residents across parts of the county have previously experienced temporary road closures, traffic delays and police escorts as oversized turbine components were transported from the Port of Milford Haven to the site under tightly controlled conditions.

The abnormal load movements required months of detailed planning and coordination, involving route surveys, traffic management, police support and liaison with local authorities to ensure deliveries were carried out safely and with minimal disruption wherever possible.

The companies also apologised for the inconvenience caused during the delivery phase, saying the support and understanding shown by residents had been “invaluable” in allowing the project to reach this milestone.

A number of organisations were involved in supporting the operation, including Pembrokeshire County Council, Dyfed-Powys Police, haulage specialists Collett & Sons Ltd and Green Light Traffic Management.

Local media outlets, including The Pembrokeshire Herald, provided advance notice and updates during the delivery process to help keep residents informed.

With the final major deliveries now complete, Dragon LNG and Dragon Energy said the project would continue to progress to the next phase of construction on site.

 

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