A consultation process that has begun at a number of BAE Systems’ UK sites is expected to result in over 400 management job losses.

The cuts will be made across the defence giant’s Military Air & Information (MAI) division; 286 of them are planned for its Samlesbury and Warton facilities in Lancashire, where parts for F-35 Lightning 2, Eurofighter Typhoon, Tornado and Hawk aircraft are made.

Chris Boardman, managing director of BAE Systems MAI, said: “It is always regrettable when you have to announce potential job losses.

However, we believe that, by implementing changes to our management structure, we will become a more efficient and effective business and be better placed to meet the needs of current and potential customers in what is an increasingly competitive market.

“We have a strong order book, with Hawk, Typhoon and F-35 in production across our business. Along with our extensive and growing in-service support work with the RAF and our overseas customers, this provides a strong foundation for a long-term sustainable business.

"We understand that this is a time of uncertainty for our employees, and we are committed to working with them and their representatives to explore ways of avoiding and mitigating potential job losses.”

Fylde MP Mark Menzies said he will work closely with BAE Systems management in an attempt to save jobs in Warton. The MP said that he has met senior managers and made it clear that he is available to support the company in any way.

The other locations facing potential job losses are: Brough in Yorkshire (16); Christchurch in Dorset (18); Frimley in Surrey (22); RAF Coningsby in Lincolnshire (22); and RAF Marham in Norfolk (16). Seven of the job losses are planned for overseas, while 53 remain unspecified.