UK Defence Giant BAE Cuts 2,000 Jobs as Production of Fighter Jets Slows

LONDON (AP) – British defense company BAE Systems says it is cutting almost 2,000 jobs in its military, maritime and intelligence services in an effort to boost competitiveness.

CEO Charles Woodburn says in a statement Tuesday that the actions are necessary to “align our workforce capacity more closely with near-term demand and enhance our competitive position to secure new business.”

The jobs lost are largely at five sites over three years, including Warton and Samlesbury in Lancashire that make the Eurofighter Typhoon jet. The company says that while it expects Typhoon orders from Qatar, the order’s timing is uncertain. Production is being slowed.

Unite assistant general secretary Steve Turner says the cuts will “not only undermine Britain’s sovereign defense capability, but devastate communities across the U.K. who rely on these skilled jobs.”