Northrop Grumman has been awarded a $200 million contract by the U.S. Space Force to construct a radar site in the United Kingdom as part of the Deep Space Advanced Radar Capability (DARC) program. This initiative, announced on August 23, is a key component of the AUKUS security alliance, which involves Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States. The DARC program aims to establish a global network of three advanced radar systems, one in each of the AUKUS partner nations, to enhance the monitoring and tracking of objects in deep space.
The radar site in the U.K. will be the second installation under the DARC program, following the development of the first site in Western Australia, which is expected to be operational by 2026. A third site is planned for the United States. These radar systems are designed to provide continuous, all-weather coverage, capable of detecting, tracking, identifying, and characterizing objects in geosynchronous orbit, approximately 22,000 miles above Earth. Unlike traditional optical systems, DARC will function regardless of daylight conditions, ensuring round-the-clock surveillance.
The U.K. Ministry of Defence has selected Cawdor Barracks in Pembrokeshire, Wales, as the location for the DARC radar site. The barracks, which had been slated for closure by 2028, will now be redeveloped to accommodate the radar installation and up to 100 personnel who will operate and maintain the system. Before construction can begin, the Ministry of Defence will conduct an environmental assessment to gain approval for the redevelopment, addressing concerns raised by local residents and environmental activists about the potential impacts of the radar site. The Ministry has pledged to ensure that the project complies with all safety and environmental standards.
This contract underscores the strategic importance of space domain awareness for national security, particularly within the context of the AUKUS alliance. By establishing a network of radar systems across multiple continents, the DARC program will significantly enhance the ability of the U.S., U.K., and Australia to monitor and respond to activities in space, reinforcing their collective defense capabilities in the increasingly contested domain of outer space.