The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has objected to at least four planned windfarms over the past year, citing fears that their spinning blades could cause “unacceptable interference” with radars used for detecting military aircraft.
In late June, MoD officials raised concerns regarding an onshore windfarm planned for County Durham. A letter to Britain’s planning authority indicated that this project could lead to aircraft “not being detected” within an RAF Low Flying Area. This objection, concerning the proposed Hope Moor project with 23 turbines, is reportedly one of at least four made on national security grounds in the last year.
The MoD has also voiced objections to a six-turbine onshore windfarm near Burton Agnes in East Yorkshire and a 13-turbine windfarm near the Scottish borders, citing “unmanageable” risk. Additionally, a large offshore windfarm with 87 turbines in the Irish Sea has raised concerns within the ministry due to potential interference with aviation radar systems at Warton Aerodrome in Lancashire.
Industry sources suggest that while the MoD has a history of such objections, these precautionary concerns typically do not prevent development. Minor adjustments to turbine size or height are often negotiated. The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) stated it works closely with the MoD, and all onshore wind projects undergo a rigorous planning process considering defence, security, local community views, and environmental impacts.