BAE Systems is part of the Eurofighter project

It follows a decision to cut 1,000 jobs over the next two years with the company blaming the losses on a downturn in the industry.

But some workers blame the Government for failing to sign a deal for a second batch of Eurofighter Typhoons.

BAE Systems has said it will try to avoid compulsory redundancies.

The jobs are to go at its air systems plants in Warton and Samlesbury, with 500 going this year and 500 in 2005.

BAE Systems said it was predicting a downturn in work in some areas over the next few years, which meant it had too many people with certain skills.

Military jets

It comes a week after the company announced the loss of 760 jobs at its shipyard in Barrow, Cumbria.

BAE Systems said the 1,000 figure included 250 sub-contractors who will leave the business by the end of 2004.

Part of the company's air systems division, the Warton and Samlesbury plants work on military aircraft, including the Joint Strike Fighter, Hawk, Typhoon and Nimrod.

Nigel Whitehead, managing director of the air systems group, said that while the company knew it would be a tough time for all those affected, it was "the only way to ensure a viable future for this business".

He added: "We have been briefing employees for the past six months to expect some major job losses.