Aberporth Listed as Potential Russian Target

Local organisations and community representatives have expressed concern and outrage following the circulation of material claiming the Aberporth area was referenced on an alleged Russian target list for strategic sites in the United Kingdom.

In December, former Deputy Prime Minister of Russia Dmitry Rogozin, who once led Russia’s defence industry, published a map on social media identifying certain UK locations said to be of strategic interest to Russia. According to reporting, this map included a number of defence related sites inside the UK, among them Aberporth, because of its role in unmanned aerial vehicle testing and defence contractor activity in the area.

Aberporth is a charming coastal village in Ceredigion on Wales’ west coast, known for its relaxed atmosphere and beautiful setting along Cardigan Bay. It boasts two sheltered sandy beaches, perfect for swimming, kayaking, paddleboarding, and family days by the sea.

Famous for dolphin sightings and scenic coastal walks, Aberporth combines unspoilt natural beauty with traditional seaside charm, making it a true beach goer’s paradise. Not exactly the image that springs to mind when thinking of military installations or defence infrastructure, and hardly the kind of place that could justifiably be considered a target for long range missiles in the event of a major conflict.

The claims have resurfaced amid wider national debate about defence infrastructure and community risk, prompting campaign groups to organise a public meeting at Aberporth Village Hall on Friday 27 February at 6pm to discuss concerns and hear from residents, stakeholders, and local officials.

Reporting on Rogozin’s statements and the associated map has appeared in several outlets, which described him as having shared a 23 location target list of UK sites that would be priority points for long range strikes in a hypothetical major war scenario with Russia. This list reportedly includes defence industry hubs and military facilities across the UK, among them Aberporth’s QinetiQ and Tekever linked unmanned aerial vehicle testing facilities.

Several news articles described this material as emerging amid heightened tensions over the Russia Ukraine conflict and western military support for Kyiv. Some commentators noted that media figures in Russia, including pro Kremlin television hosts, have amplified rhetoric about potential strikes against the UK, with language stressing the dangers of military escalation.

To date, the UK Ministry of Defence has declined to comment on specific security arrangements at individual sites, highlighting only that the UK works closely with NATO allies and maintains robust defence measures for national infrastructure.

Defence analysts emphasise that statements by foreign political figures or maps shared online should not be read as direct evidence of operational targeting plans, but rather as part of broader geopolitical signalling during periods of tension.

Local representatives and campaign organisations assert the public has a right to understand both the activities taking place in the area and any potential implications of living near defence linked operations. The upcoming meeting will provide an opportunity for dialogue among residents, private firms operating in the region, and elected officials.