Those workers affected will be made redundant by the end of 2003

The company said cuts at its site in Samlesbury, near Preston, followed a review of operations at the plant, and at nearby Warton.

The jobs will be lost from the air systems and aerostructures business units.

BAE Systems said the majority of those affected - 132 in total - would be made redundant by the end of 2003.

The firm insisted the site remains central to its plans for the Typhoon and Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) jet production plans.

'Further job losses'

However, Amicus union convenor Neil Sheehan said he was concerned about the future of the Typhoon.

He told BBC Radio Lancashire: "We have a real concern about the [Typhoon] second phase and the government giving a commitment to that.

"If that doesn't happen pretty shortly we are expecting further job losses.

"That will have a much more horrendous effect if that happens."

'�100m investment'

He said the announced job losses were not a surprise as there had been surplus jobs at the Samlesbury site for a while.

Steve Worlock, director of advanced manufacturing at the site, said the job losses were "regrettable" but necessary and the firm would work with unions to minimise the impact on those affected.

He added: "Samlesbury possesses world class engineering and manufacturing capabilities and is key to BAE Systems' involvement in both the Typhoon and Joint Strike Fighter programmes.

"Over recent years we have seen over �100m worth of investment at Samlesbury and it is imperative we utilise this investment effectively."