BRITISH Aerospace is claiming a controversial TV documentary could threaten the future of Eurofighter project.

Hundreds of jobs will be safeguarded in East Lancashire through the £35 billion project, but BAe is furious at a planned Panorama programme which it is claimed could damage the scheme.

BAe chief executive Sir Richard Evans has written his protests to BBC director-general John Birt.

BAE are worried Panorama will criticise the fighter plane amid claims that it has failed to meet performance targets in tests.

The fear is that criticism of the project could affect orders for the new fighter jet when it finally goes on the market.

BAe is so worried, it has held talks with the leading specialist firm run by high profile lawyer Peter Carter-Ruck.

The controversy follows an earlier investigation by BBC's Newsnight programme which is still the subject of a complaints inquiry at the BBC. And the same team involved in the earlier programme are thought to be behind the Panorama report due to be shown next Monday.

A spokesman for BAe said: "The decision to use of the same journalistic team to work on the Panorama programme is insensitive and ill-advised.

"We have consulted libel lawyers who have agreed to look after our interests and protect the reputation of the Eurofighter project.

"The Eurofighter is very important to East Lancashire and we will do all we can to protect its reputation and prevent any damage to its market position."

A BBC spokesman told The Sunday Times: "The director-general has tried to reassure BAe that Panorama will deal with the Eurofighter in a fair way.

"BAe has been assured that the programme will be fair and balanced in line with normal BBC practices."

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