The U.S. Space Force has awarded a $200 million contract to Northrop Grumman for the construction of a radar site in the United Kingdom. This initiative is part of the AUKUS security alliance, involving Australia, the U.K., and the United States.
The contract, announced August 23, is for the second site of the Deep Space Advanced Radar Capability (DARC) program. The program aims to establish a global network of three advanced radar systems, with one site in each AUKUS partner nation. The first DARC site is under development in Western Australia, projected to be operational by 2026, while a third site is being planned in the United States.
The DARC system is designed to provide continuous, all-weather coverage for the detection, tracking, identification, and characterization of objects in geosynchronous orbit, approximately 22,000 miles above Earth. Unlike existing optical systems, DARC will function regardless of daylight.
Northrop Grumman secured a $341 million contract in 2022 for the first DARC site in Western Australia.
The UK Ministry of Defence announced plans to redevelop Cawdor Barracks in Pembrokeshire, Wales, to host the DARC radar site. Previously slated for closure by 2028, the barracks will be redeveloped to accommodate up to 100 personnel to operate and maintain the radar system.
The Ministry of Defence stated it will conduct an environmental assessment to obtain approval for the redevelopment of Cawdor Barracks. This step is essential for the project to proceed as planned. Local residents and environmental activists have raised concerns about the potential impacts of the radar installation. The MOD assured compliance with safety and environmental standards.