WORK on installing 'next generation' weapons systems for the F-35 Lightning - to be carried out in East Lancashire - has been given the go-ahead.

Initial funding has been awarded by Lockheed Martin to begin integrating the likes of the Meteor air-to-air missile and SPEAR precision surface attack missile to the UK's fleet at BAE in Samlesbury.

Engineers will work with colleagues from MBDA, the firm behind the weapons, as part of a partnership arrangement between the three parties.

Bosses have confirmed that the project centres on Samlesbury, in a major boost for the Ribble Valley aerodrome.

Tom Fillingham, BAE's senior vice-president of US programmes, said: "Our engineers played a crucial role in supporting the UK to achieve initial operating capability for its F-35 fleet.

"Now working alongside our partners, including Lockheed Martin and MBDA, we are using our expertise to take that capability even further with advanced weapons systems such as Meteor and SPEAR.

"We are extremely proud of the critical contribution UK engineers are playing for both the UK and the global F-35 fleet through the development, production and sustainment of the aircraft."

Last year a test pilot from 17 Squadron, the RAF's F-35 Test and Evaluation Squadron, at Edwards Air Force Base, California, went airborne for the first time with UK weapons like the ASRAAM and Paveway IV.

Cliff Waldwyn, head of combat air for MBDA, added: “This is a significant milestone for the UK's combat air capability.

"This initial package of work officially commences the integration of Meteor and SPEAR and will enhance the operational capability of the UK’s Lightning Force in the future.

"It is also a positive step for the wider F-35 enterprise as it adds additional capability choice for international customers.

"MBDA’s integration team have worked well with our BAE Systems and Lockheed Martin colleagues and we plan to build on this excellent foundation into the future on this follow-on modernisation work."

Wider weapons development and testing work has also been carried out between the three partners and Raytheon, in conjunction with the UK Air Warfare Centre and RAF and Royal Navy pilots.