AN ambassador has underlined the 'special relationship' between Lancashire and the United States air defence programme.

Robert 'Woody' Johnson, the US envoy to the UK, was at BAE Systems in Samlesbury to see the 500th aft fuselage for the F35-Lightning II roll off the production line.

Fifteen per cent of every F-35, also including the horizontal and vertical tails of the craft, are built at BAE.

And Mr Johnson was quick to commend the expertise offered at the aerospace giant's sprawling East Lancashire plant.

He said: "Lancashire has a very proud history manufacturing planes for the British military and it is fantastic to see that tradition continuing strong to this day.

"The highly skilled workers at the BAE Systems facility in Samlesbury are now helping to produce the most sophisticated fighter jet the world has ever seen: the F-35.

"Combining incredible stealth with supersonic speed, the F-35 is a game changer which will play a vital role in America and Britain's collective defense for decades to come."

Late last month BAE heard it would be sharing in a $1 billion sustainment contract for the F-35, which will run until the end of 2022 and bring extra work to Samlesbury.

BAE works with principal contractor Lockheed Martin, and another key partner, Northrop, on the deal for the F-35, which is used by both the US Air Force and Royal Air Force.

The ambassador was joined on his whistle-stop tour by Charles Woodburn, BAE's chief executive, Chris Boardman, group managing director for air, and Tom Fillingham, senior vice-President of the US Programmes business, with responsibility for the F-35.

Mr Woodburn said: "It was an honour for us to host the ambassador and show him the unique capabilities BAE Systems' people bring to the F-35 every day.

"We secured our place on the programme through our engineering expertise and world-class manufacturing. But it is the ability, commitment and passion of our people across the world that continues to keep us at the heart of the programme.

"Delivering the 500th aft fuselage of the aircraft is a major milestone for us, and we know by continuing to deliver we will maintain our place on the programme and our strong relationship with the US."

Greg Ulmer, Lockheed's executive vice-president, described the 500th fuselage delivery as a "significant milestone for the programme".