The Guardian reports that David Gould, former chief operating officer at the Defence Equipment and Support Organisation, stated in June 2007 that AWE would build a new Trident warhead. At a defence industry conference Mr Gould said: "The intention is to replace the entire Vanguard class submarine system. Including the warhead and missile." The MoD continues to deny that the government has taken the decision to build a new warhead, despite the eight-year building project to modernise the warhead manufacturing facility at AWE Aldermaston and Burghfield.