The Deep Space Advanced Radar Capability (DARC) programme – unveiled by the respective Defence Secretaries of Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States – will provide 24/7, all-weather capabilities that will increase AUKUS nations’ ability to characterise objects deep in space up to 22,000 miles (36,000 kilometres) away from earth.
DARC will see a global network of three ground-based radars to be jointly operated that will assist in critical space-traffic management and contribute to the global surveillance of satellites in deep space. The unique geographic positioning of AUKUS nations means that DARC can provide global coverage, including detecting potential threats to defence or civilian space systems.
As the danger of space warfare increases, this landmark capability will benefit all three nations’ land, air, and maritime forces, as well as protecting critical infrastructure and benefitting our domestic construction and space industries.
UK Defence Secretary, Grant Shapps said: “As the world becomes more contested and the danger of space warfare increases, the UK and our allies must ensure we have the advanced capabilities we need to keep our nations’ safe.
“Today’s announcement of a global radar network (DARC), based across the UK, US and Australia will do just that. Empowering the UK to detect, track and identify objects in deep space.”
Cawdor Barracks in Pembrokeshire Wales has been identified as the UK’s preferred site for DARC. The final siting decision is conditional on the results of the ongoing comprehensive MOD-funded Environmental Impact Assessment and subsequent Town Planning application.
Cawdor Barracks is currently the home to a British Army Signals Regiment which is due to relocate from 2028.
The UK Government say that retention of the Base by the MOD for DARC is likely to boost the local Pembrokeshire economy, creating employment during the construction phase and providing up to 100 longer-term jobs.
Commenting on the MOD announcement, Pembrokeshire MP Stephen Crabb said, “The Cawdor Barracks site was always going to be a strong contender for this project, given its location and its current use as a base for 14 Signals Regiment (Electronic Warfare). Wales already hosts a number of strategically important facilities which are at the cutting edge of national defence and security, and this new radar capability will add to these. The 100 new jobs would certainly be welcome but won’t fully fill the gap if the Signals Regiment does eventually move out.”
“Understandably, local people will have questions about this development and hopefully the planning process will allow these to be answered fully. It is important that the Ministry of Defence works with the local communities in Solva, St Davids and Newgale to explain what this all about and why Pembrokeshire is the preferred site.”
(Lead image: Geograph / Creative Commons 2.0)
