British defence group BAE Systems announced Thursday that it has decided to cut 440 managerial jobs at its military aircraft division in a new efficiency drive.

"We believe that by implementing changes to our management structure we will become a more efficient and effective business, and be better placed to meet the needs of current and potential customers in what is an increasingly competitive market," said Chris Boardman, head of BAE's Military Air and Information (MAI) unit.

He added: "We understand that this is a time of uncertainty for our employees and we are committed to working with them and their representatives to explore ways of avoiding and mitigating potential job losses."

Many of the cuts will be at BAE's two sites in Lancashire, northwestern England, where 286 jobs will be shed in Samlesbury and Warton. Just seven of the axed jobs are overseas.

The MAI division's programmes include the Eurofighter Typhoon and Hawk Trainer jet.

The Eurofighter is built by a consortium which also comprises European plane maker Airbus, and Finmeccanica of Italy.

BAE Systems has suffered in recent years on the back of heavy cuts to government defence spending around the world.

The group's net profit slumped last year owing to a huge one-off charge linked to a reduction in US government expenditure.