BAE Systems has announced a contract valued at £5 billion to supply aircraft to Qatar, helping to secure jobs in the UK.

The deal to supply Typhoon aircraft to the Qatar Emiri Air Force includes a support and training package.

The contract is subject to financing conditions and receipt by the company of first payment, expected to be fulfilled no later than mid-2018.

The Qatar contract provides for 24 Typhoon aircraft with delivery expected to commence in late 2022.

Around 5,000 workers in the UK are employed on building the Typhoon, mainly on sites at Warton in Lancashire.

Charles Woodburn, BAE Systems chief executive said: “We are delighted to begin a new chapter in the development of a long-term relationship with the State of Qatar and the Qatar Armed Forces, and we look forward to working alongside our customer as they continue to develop their military capability.”