PEMBROKESHIRE’S most famous unexplained event — the 1977 Broad Haven UFO incident — could attract renewed attention after US President Donald Trump said he would direct American agencies to begin identifying and releasing government files related to extraterrestrial life and UFO sightings.

In a statement on social media, Trump said he would order departments, including the Pentagon, to start “the process of identifying and releasing” files connected to alien life, unidentified aerial phenomena (UAP), and UFOs, citing what he described as “tremendous interest” from the public.

His comments came hours after he told reporters he was unsure whether aliens were real, saying: “Well, I don’t know if they’re real or not.” He also criticised remarks made by former President Barack Obama during a podcast interview, which sparked global headlines about the possibility of life beyond Earth.

The development has particular relevance for Pembrokeshire because of the Broad Haven incident’s proximity to the former military installation at RAF Brawdy, located just a few miles away. At the time of the sightings, the base hosted both RAF operations and United States Navy personnel, raising the possibility that any unusual aerial activity could have been documented and classified by the US military.

The 1977 case involved schoolchildren and adults who reported seeing a silver, cigar-shaped craft and strange humanoid figures near fields close to Broad Haven Primary School. The sightings later became part of a wider wave of reports across west Wales, sometimes referred to as the “Welsh Triangle.”

Although some UK Ministry of Defence UFO files have been released over the years, no definitive explanation for the Broad Haven sightings was ever provided. Because of the US military presence at RAF Brawdy, there remains the possibility that relevant records could exist in American archives rather than British ones.

However, previous US government reports, including a Pentagon assessment in 2024, stated there was no evidence that the United States had encountered extraterrestrial life, and that most UFO sightings were likely ordinary objects or misidentified phenomena.

Any future disclosures would therefore be closely watched by researchers and residents in west Wales alike, particularly given the historical Cold War connections to Pembrokeshire.

PLANS for specialist MoD air traffic radio direction finding equipment works at Pembrokeshire’s Cawdor barracks, where a ‘DARC’ deep space radar facility is proposed, have been submitted to the council.

Cawdor barracks, Brawdy, is occupied by the 14th Signal Regiment who are due to vacate the Barracks in 2028.

A formal screening opinion call, under Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations, submitted to Pembrokeshire County Council by agent Montagu Evans on behalf of the ministry of Defence (MoD) has been submitted relating to renewal works to be undertaken to the air traffic equipment at Cawdor Barracks.

A supporting statement says: “The Ministry of Defence are progressing a full planning application with associated Environmental Statement for a Deep Space Advanced Radar Capability (DARC) Facility on part of the barracks site.

“ This project has yet to be submitted for approval and is being brought forward independently of the renewal works to the Radio Direction Finder.

“The Cawdor Barracks airfield includes a Directional Finder (DF) which forms part of the service operated under a requirement from the National Air Traffic Services (NATS) and the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).

“It forms part of the nation-wide system automatic triangulation and distress, and diversion network regulate by the CAA on behalf of NATS. It is located towards the centre of the airfield.

“The network of DF installations is a civilian rather than military requirement, and allows bearing data to be provided to the Distress and Diversion Cell at NATS Swanwick. This is a national service which locates and supports aircraft in distress and manages the diversion of other aircraft.

“The current DF equipment comprises a 0.5m cabinet for electronics, a counterpose mounted the building which holds the ultra-high frequency antennas and a mast upon which the antenna array of 18 antennas is mounted.

“The existing DF equipment is reaching the end of its operational life and must be replaced at a manner which allows for continued operations. It is to be replaced with a High-Resolution Direction Finder (HRDF) which is being managed under the Ministry of Defence’s MARSHALL programme.

The new equipment will allow signals to be received from aircraft up to approximately 90 nautical miles (Nm) from the site, providing maximum coverage of the area through including the Bristol Channel and St Georges Channel.

“The existing DF will remain operational during installation of the new equipment. Once the HRDF is operational, the existing system will be decommissioned and removed from the site. Works are to commence in early 2026 and completed by early 2027.”

Grants of up to £10,000 available for local events across Wales and the UK

COMMUNITIES across Wales are being encouraged to organise their own Armed Forces Day celebrations after the Ministry of Defence announced a £500,000 funding package to support events nationwide this summer.

Grants of up to £10,000 are available to help towns, schools, charities and community groups stage local events, with funding designed to match money raised from other sources.

The support forms part of preparations for Armed Forces Day on Saturday, June 27, 2026, and the wider Armed Forces Week programme aimed at strengthening ties between the military and the public.

Wales is home to nearly two thousand serving personnel, while the defence sector supports close to four thousand jobs. The MOD says it spent £1.1 billion with Welsh businesses during the 2024–25 financial year, underlining the industry’s importance to the nation’s economy.

Previous events have drawn huge crowds. In 2018, Llandudno hosted the national celebrations, attracting an estimated 100,000 visitors and a parade of around 1,000 service members.

‘Extraordinary sacrifices’

Defence Secretary John Healey said the funding would help communities properly recognise the contribution of service personnel and their families.

He said: “Our Armed Forces make extraordinary sacrifices to keep us safe. But they can’t do what they do without the support of their families, friends and communities across the country.

“In June we look forward to coming together as a proud nation to celebrate Armed Forces Day, and I want this funding to help make this year the best yet.

“If you back our Forces and want to thank them with a celebration in your local area, do apply for a grant and register your event with us so we can help you spread the word.”

Welsh Secretary Jo Stevens added that the grants would allow communities across Wales to show their appreciation.

She said: “Armed Forces Day is a chance for people across Wales to come together to show their support for the service men and women who we all rely on to keep us safe.

“These grants mean that communities can put on special events to celebrate the contribution of our Armed Forces and their families and thank them for their sacrifice.”

Cover Image:

Armed Forces day celebrated in Haverfordwest in 2019 (File pic)