The UK Royal Air Force is set to build a new radar station in Wales, specifically designed to monitor space activities by Russia and China, as part of the AUKUS alliance with the US and Australia, The Telegraph reports.
The station, dubbed “Darc”, will be located at Cawdor Barracks in Pembrokeshire and aims to protect vital satellite communication and navigation networks.
UK Defence Secretary John Healey highlighted the station’s importance in safeguarding the country’s space assets:
“This new radar programme will not only enhance our awareness of deep space, but also help protect our space assets alongside our closest partners. 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.”
Three years ago when plans to build Darc were first announced, the then-head of the RAF said the radar station was a national priority.
Air Chief Marshal Sir Mike Wigston warned of “irresponsible and reckless testing by Russia and China” of anti-satellite weapons while speaking to The Telegraph at the US Space and Missile Systems Center, in Los Angeles.
The Ministry of Defence has confirmed that the construction of the space radar station at Brawdy will extend the base’s operational lifespan beyond its planned closure in 2028.
