BAE Systems plans to offload part of its US business, according to reports.

The defence giant, which announced proposals to axe 450 Lancashire jobs last week, could sell its Platform Solutions unit, bringing in £1.3billion, the Sunday Times said.

However, BAE said there was ‘no certainty’ it would sell off assets.

The Platform Solutions subsidiary makes electronic components for the commercial and defence sectors, including cockpit displays for fighter jets, digital engine controls for commercial aircraft and electronic components for hybrid buses.

Despite the potential move, BAE wants to beef up its interests in the US, fearing the UK will slash defence costs in next month’s strategic defence review.

BAE shocked union leaders last week by revealing plans to shed 149 jobs at its Samlesbury plant and another 298 jobs at Warton on the Fylde coast.