News
Pentagon review puts Pembrokeshire radar project in doubt
A DEEP space radar facility planned for the former RAF Brawdy base in Pembrokeshire could be scrapped or delayed as the United States reconsiders its defence commitments under the AUKUS security pact.
The Herald understands that the Brawdy site has already been the subject of consultations led by the UK Ministry of Defence, which has confirmed its involvement in the proposed development of the Deep Space Advanced Radar Capability (DARC) — a joint project with the United States Space Force.
DARC is a state-of-the-art tracking system designed to monitor satellites and space debris in high orbits, including geostationary orbit. Once operational, it would provide 24/7 global coverage through three radar sites in Alaska, Australia, and the UK, with Brawdy identified as the UK location due to its strategic Atlantic position and Cold War-era infrastructure.
However, the project has now been thrown into uncertainty following a Pentagon review into the broader AUKUS defence pact signed in 2021. While originally focused on nuclear submarines, the AUKUS agreement has since expanded to include advanced military technologies such as quantum computing, cyber warfare, undersea surveillance, and space domain awareness.

The current review — being led by former Pentagon official Elbridge Colby — will assess whether the US should continue funding all aspects of AUKUS, amid growing concerns in Washington over the rising costs and strategic focus of the agreement.
If the DARC programme is scaled back or cancelled, the proposed Brawdy installation may be among the casualties. That would be seen as a victory by long-time anti-militarism campaigners and environmental activists in West Wales, who have opposed the return of foreign defence infrastructure to Pembrokeshire.
In public statements, the MOD has acknowledged holding local engagement sessions and confirmed Brawdy as the preferred site, but has so far declined to comment on the potential impact of the Pentagon’s review.
If approved and built, the radar facility would represent the most significant military installation in Pembrokeshire in decades and would restore Brawdy’s strategic role within a new era of space-based surveillance.
The Herald will continue to monitor developments and provide updates as further information emerges from both Washington and Whitehall.
Business
First wind turbine components arrive as LNG project moves ahead
THE FIRST ship carrying major components for Dragon LNG’s new onshore wind turbines docked at Pembroke Port yesterday afternoon, marking the start of physical deliveries for the multi-million-pound renewable energy project.
The Maltese-registered general cargo vessel Peak Bergen berthed at Pembroke Dock shortly after 4pm on Wednesday, bringing tower sections and other heavy components for the three Enercon turbines that will eventually stand on land adjacent to the existing gas terminal at Waterston.
A second vessel, the Irish-flagged Wilson Flex IV, is due to arrive in the early hours of this morning (Thursday) carrying the giant rotor blades.
The deliveries follow a successful trial convoy on 25 November, when police-escorted low-loader trailers carried dummy loads along the planned route from the port through Pembroke, past Waterloo roundabout and up the A477 to the Dragon LNG site.
Dragon LNG’s Community and Social Performance Officer, Lynette Round, confirmed the latest movements in emails to the Herald.
“The Peak Bergen arrived yesterday with the first components,” she said. “We are expecting another delivery tomorrow (Thursday) onboard the Wilson Flex IV. This will be blades and is currently showing an ETA of approximately 03:30.”
The £14.3 million project, approved by Welsh Ministers last year, will see three turbines with a combined capacity of up to 13.5 MW erected on company-owned land next to the LNG terminal. Once operational – expected in late 2026 – they will generate enough electricity to power the entire site, significantly reducing its carbon footprint.
Port of Milford Haven shipping movements showed the Peak Bergen approaching the Haven throughout Wednesday morning before finally tying up at the cargo berth in Pembroke Dock. Cranes began unloading operations yesterday evening.
Weather conditions are currently favourable for this morning’s arrival of the Wilson Flex IV, which was tracking south of the Smalls at midnight.
The abnormal-load convoys carrying the components from the port to Waterston are expected to begin next week, subject to final police and highway approvals.
A community benefit fund linked to the project will provide training opportunities and energy-bill support for residents in nearby Waterston, Llanstadwell and Neyland.
Further updates will be issued by Dragon LNG as the Port of Milford Haven as the delivery programme continues.
Photo: Martin Cavaney
Crime
Banned for 40 months after driving with cocaine breakdown product in blood
A MILFORD HAVEN woman has been handed a lengthy driving ban after admitting driving with a controlled drug in her system more than ten times over the legal limit.
SENTENCED AT HAVERFORDWEST
Sally Allen, 43, of Wentworth Close, Hubberston, appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Thursday (Dec 4) for sentencing, having pleaded guilty on November 25 to driving with a proportion of a specified controlled drug above the prescribed limit.
The court heard that Allen was stopped on August 25 on the Old Hakin Road at Tiers Cross while driving an Audi A3. Blood analysis showed 509µg/l of Benzoylecgonine, a breakdown product of cocaine. The legal limit is 50µg/l.
COMMUNITY ORDER AND REHABILITATION
Magistrates imposed a 40-month driving ban, backdated to her interim disqualification which began on November 25.
Allen was also handed a 12-month community order, requiring her to complete 10 days of rehabilitation activities as directed by the Probation Service.
She was fined £120, ordered to pay £85 prosecution costs and a £114 surcharge. Her financial penalties will be paid in £25 monthly instalments from January 1, 2026.
The bench—Mrs H Roberts, Mr M Shankland and Mrs J Morris—said her guilty plea had been taken into account when passing sentence.
Local Government
Sewage leak at Pembroke Commons prompts urgent clean-up works
Council pollution officers say they have no enforcement powers over Welsh Water infrastructure
SEWAGE contamination on the Commons in Pembroke has prompted an urgent response from pollution officers, after a leak was reported by a member of the public on Tuesday.
Pembrokeshire County Council’s Pollution Control Team confirmed they were alerted yesterday afternoon to sewage surrounding a manhole cover on the site. The Herald understands that officers immediately notified Welsh Water (DCWW) network technicians to investigate the incident “as a matter of urgency”.
County councillor Jonathan Grimes, who represents Pembroke St Mary South and Monkton, said the authority had been clear that it holds no enforcement powers over Welsh Water assets.
“Whilst we work constructively with Welsh Water, we have no authority to intervene on their apparatus or to carry out enforcement action against them for such pollution incidents,” the Pollution Control Team said in a statement shared with the councillor.
Urgent works underway
Council officers visited the site on Wednesday morning alongside contractors and Welsh Water technicians to assess clean-up options. According to the team, works will include cleaning the contaminated ground in and around the manhole cover and fencing off the affected area “until safe”.
Cllr Grimes said officers would return to the scene on Thursday to check on progress and ensure the area is properly secured.
Residents who notice any further issues have been urged to contact the Pollution Control Team directly.
Further updates are expected later this week.
-
Crime2 days agoDefendant denies using Sudocrem-covered finger to assault two-month-old baby
-
Crime1 day agoPembroke rape investigation dropped – one suspect now facing deportation
-
Crime6 days agoMan denies causing baby’s injuries as police interviews read to jury
-
News1 day agoBaby C trial: Mother breaks down in tears in the witness box
-
Crime2 days agoLifeboat crew member forced to stand down after being assaulted at Milford pub
-
Crime2 days agoDefendant denies causing injuries to two-month-old baby
-
Crime2 days agoPembrokeshire haven master admits endangering life after speedboat collision
-
Crime9 hours agoMother admits “terrible idea” to let new partner change her baby’s nappies alone







