THOUSANDS of East Lancashire aerospace workers were today awaiting news of a £220billion US contract.
BAE Systems will learn whether it has secured the contract - one of the biggest defence orders ever - to build 3,000 Joint Strike Fighter jets which will boost job prospects at BAE Systems sites at Warton and Samlesbury.
US companies Boeing and Lockheed Martin are vying for the major contract, with BAE workers at Samlesbury and Warton already key partners in the Lockheed bid and winners of a top award in June for their contribution to the plane's development.
And last month, Boeing hinted it would build a plant in Lancashire, potentially at Samlesbury, creating about 3,000 jobs, if it clinched the contract.
Foreign Secretary and Blackburn MP Jack Straw said: "It is very good news that a major aerospace company recognises the manufacturing skills of the people of Lancashire. It is a great boost for the area. We now have to wait to see if it comes to pass."
The US Government will announce the winner later today. With Britain committed to ordering the new plane for both the RAF and Royal Navy, the Government will have some influence on which of the American giants will win the order.
The winning consortium will build an estimated 3,000 planes for the US airforce, navy and marine corps.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article