Welsh military airfield and aerospace hub in Vale of Glamorgan.
Opened
1938
Location
St Athan, Vale of Glamorgan, United Kingdom
MOD St Athan is a military airfield located in St Athan, Vale of Glamorgan, Wales, operated by the UK Ministry of Defence. It has served as a significant RAF station and maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) facility for military aircraft.
The site is home to Wales' largest aerospace business park, known as Aersona, and hosts major defence contractors including ATSL (now part of the defence MRO sector). St Athan has been central to plans for developing aerospace manufacturing and training capabilities in Wales.
Unlike civilian commercial airports, MOD St Athan does not handle scheduled passenger services. It has been the subject of ongoing investment in defence and aerospace industries, including proposals for a Defence Training Academy, though some plans have evolved or changed over the years.
Notable facts
- ›Opened in 1938 as a Royal Air Force station during the lead-up to World War II.
- ›Home to a major aerospace business park called Aersona, one of the largest in Wales.
- ›Operated by the UK Ministry of Defence with no scheduled commercial passenger services.
- ›Has hosted significant aircraft maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) operations for military aircraft.
- ›Subject of long-running proposals for a tri-service Defence Training Academy, which were later revised.
This profile is provided for general information only. Details may be inaccurate or outdated — always verify with the airport's official website before acting on them.
