EAST Lancashire MPs Jack Straw and Nigel Evans have welcomed the news that BAE Systems has won a £365 million contract for advanced radar equipment for Eurofighter Typhoon.

The four-nation consortium behind the futuristic warplane has given the contract to the firm which employs 10,000 people at its Samlesbury and Warton factories.

MORE TOP STORIES:

BAE bosses said that the deal for the full integration of the Captor E-Scan radar on to the jet will protect jobs at the two sites.

In October they announced that almost 300 managers at Samlesbury and Warton faced redundancy as part of company-wide streamlining.

The contract will enhance Typhoon’s capabilities and desirability in the international market.

It will give the jet one of the most advanced radar systems in the world, providing the widest field of electronic view of any combat aircraft.

Other benefits include increased detection and tracking ranges, advanced air-to-surface capability and enhanced electronic protection measures.

Blackburn Labour MP Mr Straw said: “This is good news for BAE Systems and its workforce and the skills base in Lancashire.

“It will help keep the company at the forefront of advanced aircraft production and avionics development.”

Ribble Valley Conservative MP Mr Evans said: “This is excellent news.

“It is a great development for BAE Systems, its staff and for the aerospace supply chain across Lancashire.

“Anything that helps keep skills and enhances the saleability of Eurofighter Typhoon in the cut-throat world defence market is very welcome indeed.”

An upgraded BAE Systems Typhoon development aircraft has already undergone a series of modifications as part of Captor E-Scan development at Warton.

In July it flew for the first time.

Martin Taylor, managing director of combat air at BAE Systems, said: “This is a major step forward in the development of Typhoon.

“From the outset, the aircraft was built with capability enhancement in mind.

“And this step is proof that we are developing Typhoon to keep it relevant for today and for the future.

“Typhoon has become the backbone of a number of air forces.

“And with the potential for further development, it will be meeting the needs of modern warfare for decades to come.

“Eurofighter Typhoon is already regarded as one of the world’s leading swing-role combat aircraft.

“The addition of the Captor E-Scan radar will further enhance its capabilities and desirability in the international market.”

Mr Taylor said that the new radar system will be fitted to some aircraft already in service with air forces around the world.