The UK Ministry of Defence proposes redeveloping the former Cawdor Barracks in Pembrokeshire as the UK site for the Deep Space Advanced Radar Capability (DARC) programme. The radar will detect, identify and track objects in Earth orbit, including satellites, space debris and asteroids.
The United Kingdom, the United States and Australia announced the DARC programme in December 2023. The three sites are intended to provide 360-degree coverage of the sky at all times and in any weather conditions.
The Ministry of Defence held a public consultation on the project between February and March 2026. Responses were reviewed as part of the preparation of the planning application.
An application to install radar antennas, associated buildings and infrastructure was submitted to Pembrokeshire County Council in April 2026. In July, Welsh Ministers directed that the application be determined by them rather than the council. The Ministry of Defence says it continues to support the Welsh national decision-making process.
The proposal would keep Cawdor Barracks operational beyond its originally planned closure date of 2028. The Ministry of Defence says the project will offer employment and skills-development opportunities in the local community.
The Ministry of Defence says DARC will use non-ionising radio waves that are not hazardous to health. Radiation levels around the site would be no higher than those received when using a mobile phone.
