Atomic Weapons Establishment

The Atomic Weapons Establishment is responsible for the design, manufacture and support of warheads for the United Kingdom's nuclear deterrent. It is the successor to the Atomic Weapons Research Establishment with its main site on the former RAF Aldermaston and has major facilities at Burghfield, Blacknest and RNAD Coulport.AWE plc, responsible for the day-to-day operations of AWE, is owned by a consortium of Jacobs Engineering Group, Lockheed Martin UK and Serco through AWE Management Ltd, which holds a 25‑year contract to operate AWE. All the sites are owned by the Government of the United Kingdom which has a golden share in AWE plc.The establishment is the final destination for the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament's annual march from Trafalgar Square, London. The first Aldermaston March was conceived by the Direct Action Committee and took place in 1958.