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Jet boost for Lancashire workers
The government has given Lancashire's defence industry a major boost by placing an order for new fighter jets.
Defence Secretary John Hutton announced on Wednesday that the Ministry of Defence will buy three 'test aircraft' for the F-35 Lightning II, parts for which are made at BAE Systems' base in Samlesbury, near Preston.
He said the deal for the aircraft formerly known as the Joint Strike Fighter was "a significant milestone" to equip the Royal Navy's two new aircraft carriers.
Mick Ord, managing director for the F-35 programme at BAE, said the commitment was "great news" for its 4,000 workers in Lancashire.
He said: "At our Samlesbury site we manufacture the aft fuselage and the vertical and horizontal tails for all F-35 aircraft, including those purchased by the UK.
"Samlesbury has recently undergone significant investment in support of the F-35 programme, with more planned as the rate of manufacture increases.
"We are just completing new office accommodation at the site, expanding the production area and progressing plans for a new machining facility."
On a visit to the United States, Mr Hutton said the UK government had already invested 2 billion in the F-35 programme, which is being led by Texas firm Lockheed Martin with BAE a leading sub-contractor.
He said: "By purchasing three aircraft for testing, we will secure access to the development of the programme.
"Working alongside their US colleagues, our pilots will gain an unrivalled understanding of this awesome aircraft and its capabilities."
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Weather for Preston
Saturday 04 February 2012
Today
Light snow
Temperature: 2 C to 3 C
Wind Speed: 22 mph
Wind direction: South east
Tomorrow
Cloudy
Temperature: 3 C to 7 C
Wind Speed: 16 mph
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