DARC technical demonstrator in White Sands, New Mexico
From the Ministry of Defence, John Healey MP and Jo Stevens MP
Published by gov.uk, 8 August 2024
And Deep Space Advanced Radar Capability (DARC)
Plans to redevelop Cawdor Barracks in Pembrokeshire, Wales to host a landmark radar initiative have been announced by the Ministry of Defence.
Known as the Deep Space Advanced Radar Capability (DARC), the initiative will secure long-term jobs and help protect essential satellite communication and navigation networks.
DARC will see a network of ground-based radars in Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States provide global space monitoring, increasing AUKUS nations’ ability to detect, track and identify objects in deep space, up to around 36,000km away from earth.
This capability will benefit these nations’ land, air, and maritime forces, as well as protecting critical infrastructure and benefitting domestic construction and space industries. DARC will play a crucial role in AUKUS nations’ ability to support safety and security in the Indo-Pacific and the rest of the world.
About DARC
Space is crucial for the nation and plays a critical role in our daily lives. Space services, including those delivered by satellites, underpin many aspects of modern life, from enabling navigation, monitoring the climate, forecasting the weather, supporting our emergency services, supporting our Critical National Infrastructure and protecting the public. Understanding what is in space is crucial for the UK’s interests, especially as space becomes more congested with satellites and debris.
The proposed redevelopment of Cawdor Barracks (former RAF Brawdy) for the DARC programme would help to protect our present and future prosperity and national security. By enhancing our awareness and understanding of what is happening in space, we can continue to ensure it remains safe, sustainable and accessible to all.
The MOD announced in 2016 that Cawdor Barracks, home to 14 Signal Regiment (Electronic Warfare), would close and this is currently planned to take place no earlier than 2028. The development of the site for DARC helps keep the site open, with a permanent presence of up to 100 personnel to operate DARC.
The proposals
The MOD is committed to undertaking all necessary planning and environmental processes required to gain planning consent for the proposed site and for its safe operation. A comprehensive Environmental Impact Assessment (including a Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment) is underway in support of our planning application to Pembrokeshire County Council and their granting of planning permission is conditional on DARC meeting all the required safety standards.
In particular, the MOD safety processes will ensure that DARC meets international environmental and health standards as set by the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) and the World Health Organisation, and this is standard practice for all MOD installations.
Defence Secretary, John Healey said:
The proposed redevelopment of Cawdor Barracks secures jobs at home and defence capabilities for the future.
Space plays a crucial role in our daily lives – used by everything from our mobile phones to banking services. It is also used by UK Defence to conduct vital tasks such as supporting military operations, navigating forces and gathering intelligence.
This new radar programme will not only enhance our awareness of deep space, but also help protect our space assets alongside our closest partners.
Cawdor Barracks has a long history of supporting the UK’s military. The site has been both a Royal Air Force flying station and a Royal Navy base. Currently home to 14 Signal Regiment, the Ministry of Defence announced in 2016 that the barracks would close no earlier than 2028. The redevelopment of the site for DARC would keep the site open, with a permanent presence of up to 100 personnel to operate and maintain the radar capability.
Secretary of State for Wales, Jo Stevens said:
The proposed redevelopment of Cawdor Barracks will help secure jobs in the area as well as protecting our national security.
This is an important project for Pembrokeshire and this government is committed to working with the local community to ensure it is a success.
The Ministry of Defence is committed to undertaking all necessary planning and environmental processes required to gain consent for the proposed redevelopment of the site and its safe operation. A comprehensive Environmental Impact Assessment, including a Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment, is underway in support of a planning application to Pembrokeshire County Council. The Council’s granting of planning permission is conditional on DARC meeting all the required safety standards.
In particular, the safety processes will ensure that DARC meets international environmental and health standards as set by the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) and the World Health Organisation, and this is standard practice for all MOD installations.
Engagement will also take place with the local community in developing proposals for DARC and there will be two local public information events prior to the statutory consultation period that is required by Pembrokeshire County Council. Members of the MOD DARC programme team will attend these events to discuss the proposals, answer any questions and hear local community views.
Public engagement
The MOD wishes to work with the local community in developing proposals for DARC and there will be two public information events before the statutory consultation period that is required by Pembrokeshire County Council. Members of the DARC programme team will attend these events to discuss the proposals, answer any questions and hear local community views.
Public information events will be hosted over the period 13-14 September 2024:
Friday, 13 September 2024
4pm-7pm
Solva Memorial Hall
39 High St
Solva
Haverfordwest
SA62 6TE
Saturday, 14 September 2024
10am-2pm
St David’s City Hall
High St
St Davids
Haverfordwest
SA62 6SD
See: Original Article
