The 346.7 million pound contract will provide maintenance support for the EJ200 engine up to 2024. The Typhoon forms the backbone of the RAF’s fighter jet fleet.

"Not only will this contract help to maintain our world-class jets, it secures 175 jobs across the UK and boosts the skills base our world-leading defence industry relies upon," Anne-Marie Trevelyan, a junior defence minister said.

"Together with our multi-million-pound upgrade programme, this contract will ensure our Typhoon fleet continues to dominate the skies in the decades to come."

(Reporting by Guy Faulconbridge; editing by Michael Holden)