Atomic Weapons Research Establishment
| Atomic Weapons Establishment | |
|---|---|
| AWE | |
| Part of Ministry of Defence (United Kingdom) | |
| Aldermaston | |
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Logo
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Present day aerial view of AWE
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 Atomic Weapons Establishment
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| Coordinates | 51°21′46″N 1°08′22″W / 51.362778°N 1.139444°W |
| Type | Scientific research facility |
| Site information | |
| Owner | HM Government |
| Open to the public |
No |
| Website | awe |
| Site history | |
| Built | 1950 |
| Garrison information | |
| Current commander |
Kevin M. Bilger, Managing Director |
| Occupants | AWE plc |
The Atomic Weapons Establishment (AWE) 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 (AWRE) 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 (until March 2025) 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.
The Atomic Weapons Research Establishment (AWRE) was established on 1 April 1950, by the Ministry of Supply, at the former RAF Aldermaston airfield. The airfield was constructed in World War II and had been used by the Royal Air Force and the United States Army's Eighth and Ninth Air Force as a troop carrier (C‑47) group base, and was assigned USAAF station No 467. AWRE's first Director was William Penney.
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