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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

Annual charity carol service raises funds for good causes

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MID and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service held its annual Charity Carol Service on Wednesday (Dec 10) at Ebeneser Baptist Chapel in Crymych.

The event brought together members of the local community alongside Fire Service staff for an evening of carols, readings and festive refreshments, marking the Christmas season in a warm and inclusive atmosphere.

This year’s service supported two important charities — the Fire Fighters Charity and Cancer Research Wales — with all proceeds going directly towards their ongoing work.

A total of £597 was raised on the night, which will be shared equally between the two charities.

The Service thanked the congregation at Ebeneser Baptist Chapel for hosting the event, as well as everyone who gave their time, support and generosity to make the evening such a success.

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Community

3 Amigos toy bike run under way across Pembrokeshire

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Castle Inn fun runners back festive charity event

THE ANNUAL 3 Amigos Christmas toy bike run is under way this afternoon (Saturday), with hundreds of motorcyclists setting off from Pembroke to raise funds for children’s services.

Riders gathered at The Commons car park in Pembroke from around midday before departing shortly after 1:00pm. The festive convoy is travelling along its traditional route, taking in Pembroke Dock and continuing through parts of the county including Neyland, Milford Haven and Haverfordwest.

The event is organised by the 3 Amigos and Dollies Motorcycle Group and has become a much-anticipated Christmas tradition in west Wales, with toys and donations collected for children receiving care within the Hywel Dda University Health Board area.

Also supporting the event are fun runners from the Castle Inn in Pembroke, who have been fundraising in aid of the 3 Amigos. The group are pictured alongside participants from today’s run.

The 3 Amigos have been raising funds for children’s wards and health charities for more than twenty-five years, with their Easter and Christmas events continuing to make a positive difference to young patients and their families.

Organisers have thanked the public for their support and asked road users to be mindful of the large convoy as it passes through towns and villages this afternoon.

Photo caption:
Festive fundraising: Fun runners from the Castle Inn, Pembroke, pictured supporting the 3 Amigos Christmas toy bike run (Pic: Martin Cavaney/Herald)

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Community

Special delivery of thanks as MP visits Haverfordwest sorting office

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Christmas cheer for posties working through the festive rush

A CHRISTMAS message of thanks was delivered in person this week as Preseli Pembrokeshire MP Henry Tufnell paid a visit to Royal Mail staff at Haverfordwest Sorting Office.

The MP met postal workers during one of the busiest periods of the year, praising staff for their hard work in ensuring cards, parcels and gifts reach homes across Pembrokeshire in the run-up to Christmas.

Mr Tufnell said postal workers were going “above and beyond” throughout the year, but particularly during the festive period when demand is at its highest and delivery rounds are often made in challenging weather conditions.

He described postal staff as “unsung heroes”, highlighting their role in keeping communities connected and helping families stay in touch at a time when it matters most.

Speaking after the visit, Mr Tufnell said: “Our posties play a vital role in our community, and at Christmas that importance is felt more than ever. They work incredibly hard to make sure gifts and cards from loved ones arrive safely and on time.”

Staff at the Haverfordwest site were pictured alongside the MP, with some embracing the festive spirit in Christmas jumpers and seasonal outfits while continuing their daily work.

The MP also extended his thanks to postal workers across the whole of Pembrokeshire, acknowledging the dedication required to keep services running smoothly during the seasonal rush.

Royal Mail experiences its highest parcel volumes in December, with thousands of additional items passing through local sorting offices each day as Christmas approaches.

Delivering Christmas cheer: Henry Tufnell MP with staff at Haverfordwest Sorting Office during a festive visit (Pic: Facebook).

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