Lancashire employers BAE Systems have been granted £574m from the Minisrty of Defence to work on one of the RAF most distinguished aircraft.
The Preston based firm has signed a contract which ensures much needed repairs to the world famous Harrier fighter jet, will be carried out in the North West.
The Harrier fleet, used essentially for air to support frontline forces, is based at RAF Cottesmore in the East Midlands.
But under the new Harrier Platform Availability Contract, (HPAC) the Lancashire based business will take over responsibility for maintenance on the jet.
BAE will also provide spare parts and technical advice to the operational squadrons ina deal that will span until the fleet hits its out-of-service date which is currently 2018.
Minister for defence equipment and support, Quentin Davies, said: "The contract is fantastic news for the region.
"The money would help to secure existing jobs on both of the BAE's sites in Lancashire."
Director of Harrier at BAE Systems, Alun Fishburne, said: "Signature of HPAC represents a major achievement for the joint BAE Systems and UK MOD team.
"It will provide an effective and flexible service to the front line at a significantly reduced cost.
"It builds on major growth in BAE Systems' and aligns with our ultimate goal to support the men and women of the armed forces."
Group Captain Andy Ebdon, Harrier IPT Leader, MOD, said: "HPAC is great news for the future of Harrier.
"Joint Force Harrier is now assured of the cost effective support throughout its remaining service to 2018."
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