BAE Systems, which has a base in Samlesbury, has seen its sales and profits rise over the last six months compared to the first six months of 2014.

The defence giant’s sales have risen to £8,472 million from £7,611 million and its operating profit has increased from £689 million to £700 million.

The group’s net debt has increased to £1,939 million from £1,182 million while the order backlog has gone from £39.7 billion to £37.3 billion.

Chris Boardman, BAE Systems military air and information managing director, said: “The evolution of key capabilities on the Typhoon, delivered alongside our Eurofighter partners, has continued apace.

“These capabilities will ensure the air forces which operate Typhoon have the equipment they need to meet the challenges of an ever-changing world.

“The first half of this year has seen the fruition of a lot of hard work to drive efficiency in the Typhoon programme, ensuring we are offering even better value to our customers.

“We are also continuing to deliver on our commitments to the F-35 Lightning II and Hawk programmes, whilst our work on the next generation of military aircraft is also progressing.”

Ian King, BAE Systems’ chief executive, said: “Overall, the business performed well during the first half of 2015 during which we have leveraged our capabilities in adjacent growth markets and maintained disciplined cost control.

“We have also continued to invest in developing skills and new technologies for the future.

“These actions have provided resilience through an extended period of reduced defence spending in some key markets and ensured that BAE Systems is well positioned to benefit from a generally improving market environment.”

The company employs 9,500 people across its site in Samlesbury and its other Lancashire base, which is located in Warton.

The results come after the business revealed a £15.6 million investment in a flagship training academy at Samlesbury which will open in September 2016.