Typhoon Image: BAE System, Geoffrey Lee

British defence manufacturing giant BAE Systems has announced plans to cut 371 jobs in the Lancashire.

The firm will reduce production of the Typhoon fighter jet next year, with sales expected to drop by around £200 million as a result. BAE Systems said it would cutting back on production so it could continue "at competitive costs over the medium term".

The majority of the job cuts will come at its Samlesbury plant, with some going at the Warton plant, a spokesperson said. BAE Systems currently employs around 13,000 people, making it one of the UK's biggest employers.

BAE recently secured an order of 28 Typhoon jets from the Kuwaiti air force and it is currently in negotiations with the Saudi Arabian air force over further orders.

Ian King, BAE chief executive, said: "Overall the company is operating in an improving business environment and we continue to win new orders, with good prospects for the future.

"In the short term, action to extend the production life of Typhoon aircraft by reducing the current production rate... will impact the group's 2015 results."