Controversy Surrounding UK/US Military Plans for Deep Space Radar Installation at Cawdor Barracks

The UK/US military’s plans for a 27-dish Deep Space Advanced Radar Concept (DARC) at Cawdor Barracks, Brawdy has sparked controversy and opposition from a local campaign group, PARC Against DARC. The DARC radar installations are part of AUKUS, a security pact between Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States aimed at tracking and potentially destroying foreign countries’ communications and military satellites in space.

The Ministry of Defence has stated that the DARC radar installations are necessary to protect the UK national interest in the Space Domain and to monitor emerging threats and vulnerabilities. The UK was chosen as one of the sites for the DARC radar installations, with Cawdor Barracks identified as the preferred location. The project is expected to create up to 100 jobs in the area.

However, PARC Against DARC is pushing back against the plans, describing them as unnecessary and a symbol of the United States’ attempt to dominate space. The campaign group, which was originally formed in the 90s to oppose a similar radar project in the area, has launched a petition and crowdfunding campaign to stop the DARC installation at Cawdor Barracks.

Grant Shapps, the former UK Defence Secretary, has defended the project, stating that in an increasingly contested world, the UK and its allies must have the advanced capabilities to protect their nations. Despite this, the opposition from PARC Against DARC continues to grow, with a public launch meeting scheduled for June 27 at Solva Memorial Hall.

The debate over the DARC radar installations at Cawdor Barracks highlights the complex and controversial nature of military advancements in space. As the project moves forward, it will be interesting to see how the local community, the government, and the campaign group navigate these issues and come to a resolution.