Community

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

Published

10 months ago

August 18, 2025

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

Bongo Clive brings rhythm and smiles to VC Gallery celebration

Published

14 hours ago

June 20, 2026

Tom Sinclair

LEARNING DISABILITY WEEK MARKED WITH MUSIC, LAUGHTER AND INCLUSION IN PEMBROKE DOCK

THE VC GALLERY in Pembroke Dock was filled with music, laughter and energy as visitors came together to celebrate Learning Disability Week.

The event saw popular entertainer Bongo Clive lead a lively session of singing, drumming and participation, with those attending joining in throughout the day.

The gallery said the session had created a joyful atmosphere, with music helping to bring people together and celebrate inclusion, creativity and wellbeing.

A spokesperson for The VC Gallery said: “The smiles said it all. A huge thank you to Bongo Clive for bringing your incredible energy, enthusiasm and positivity to The VC today. You certainly had everyone moving to the beat.”

Learning Disability Week celebrates inclusion and the abilities, creativity and individuality of people with learning disabilities.

The Pembroke Dock event highlighted the role of community spaces such as The VC Gallery in supporting wellbeing, friendship and confidence through shared creative activities.

Community

Sir Karl Jenkins named Eisteddfod President for 2026

Published

15 hours ago

June 20, 2026

Tom Sinclair

SIR KARL JENKINS has been named President of the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod for 2026.

The internationally acclaimed Welsh composer, one of the world’s most performed living composers, will take on the role as the festival prepares to welcome performers, competitors and visitors from across the globe.

Sir Karl is best known for works including The Armed Man: A Mass for Peace, Adiemus and Requiem.

His appointment comes in a landmark year after The Armed Man: A Mass for Peace was voted the most popular work in the Classic FM Hall of Fame 2026.

Opening night return

Sir Karl’s presidential year will begin with the opening night concert, Uniting Nations: One World, on Tuesday, July 7.

The concert had been due to take place in 2025 but was postponed, causing disappointment for volunteers, performers and audience members who had travelled from across the UK and overseas.

The Eisteddfod has now brought the event back with support from the Arts Council of Wales.

Sir Karl said: “I’m delighted to be returning to the Llangollen Festival this year and especially honoured to do so in the role of President.

“Llangollen is always a very special place to be, with its unique sense of community and international spirit.

“I’m greatly looking forward to conducting my most recent choral work, One World, particularly following the postponement of last year’s performance.

“It’s a piece that I feel reflects the very essence of the festival, bringing together outstanding musicians from across the globe to form one powerful collective voice.”

Global chorus

The evening will feature a full performance of One World, conducted by Sir Karl and performed by an international massed chorus made up of WorldChoir and NEW Voices, accompanied by the Llangollen International Orchestra.

The work blends Jenkins’ distinctive musical style with themes of humanity, compassion and environmental stewardship.

The concert will also include a complete staging of Peace Child: The Musical, which places young people at the heart of its message of peace and global citizenship.

Opening the evening will be the world premiere of Greeting the Dawn, a newly commissioned bilingual work by emerging Welsh composer Sam Buttler.

The piece was written for the 2026 Eisteddfod through the Harmony Without Borders initiative, continuing Llangollen’s tradition of supporting new talent and giving Welsh composers an international platform.

‘Great cultural ambassador’

John Gambles, Chair of the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod, said: “We are absolutely delighted that Sir Karl Jenkins has agreed to serve as President of the Eisteddfod for 2026.

“Few musicians have done more to promote the values of peace, friendship and international understanding that lie at the heart of our festival.

“Sir Karl is one of Wales’s greatest cultural ambassadors and his music has inspired audiences across every continent.

“The fact that The Armed Man has just been voted the nation’s favourite classical work is a testament not only to his extraordinary talent, but also to the universal appeal of the messages of peace, hope and humanity that run through so much of his music.”

Mr Gambles added: “The postponement of One World last year was heartbreaking for everyone involved.

“We knew how much the concert meant to audiences, performers and volunteers alike, and we were determined to find a way to bring it back.

“Thanks to the support of the Arts Council of Wales, we can now finally give this extraordinary concert the audience it deserves.

“With Sir Karl as our President, the return of One World, the world premiere of a major new Welsh composition and the powerful message of Peace Child, this promises to be one of the most memorable and significant opening nights in the Eisteddfod’s history.”

Festival programme

The Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod returns for its 79th year on Tuesday, July 7.

This year’s programme includes performances from Michael Ball, Emeli Sandé with the Absolute Orchestra, Uniting Nations: One World featuring Sir Karl Jenkins, and the Choir of the World competition.

Thousands of competitors from around the world will also take part in the daytime programme, with the Parade of Nations returning on Friday, July 10.

Tickets are on sale now, with prices starting from £33.

Further information is available at llangollen.net.

Community

Lord Rhys emerges from the mist in St Davids

Published

17 hours ago

June 20, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Giant puppet begins historic journey marking 850 years since the first Eisteddfod

MIST swirled around St Davids Cathedral on Friday evening as a giant Lord Rhys puppet emerged from the fog to begin a journey celebrating 850 years since the first recorded Eisteddfod.

Accompanied by traditional musicians and followed by crowds of spectators, the towering figure cut an imposing sight against the backdrop of the ancient cathedral.

The procession marked the start of Taith yr Arglwydd Rhys (The Journey of Lord Rhys), a cultural pilgrimage retracing the legacy of the Welsh prince whose gathering of poets and musicians at Cardigan Castle in 1176 is widely regarded as the first recorded Eisteddfod.

As fog drifted across the city and church towers faded into the background, the scene felt more like a chapter from Welsh folklore than a modern-day celebration.

The giant puppet, accompanied by fellow performers and musicians, travelled from St Davids Cathedral to Oriel y Parc before beginning a wider journey through west Wales.

The travelling celebration will visit communities across Pembrokeshire and Ceredigion before culminating in Cardigan, where Lord Rhys originally staged his famous cultural gathering eight and a half centuries ago.

Video and photographs shared by DrifterStDavids captured the remarkable atmosphere, with many describing the spectacle as one of the most memorable cultural events seen in St Davids for years.

Photo caption: Lord Rhys emerges from the mist outside St Davids Cathedral as celebrations begin to mark the 850th anniversary of the first recorded Eisteddfod

(Pic: SmallWorld – Video: Drifter St Davids)