BAE plans to axe further 640 jobs

LONDON: BAE Systems PLC, the world's No 2 defense contractor, said on Thursday that it is planning to axe around 640 jobs because of an expected downturn in its workload.

BAE said it will start consulting on the job losses across 8 sites in its Integrated System Technologies Business.

``We have a responsibility to address a reduction in our forecast workload and manage our cost base to remain competitive and meet our customers' future requirements,'' said Rory Fisher, managing director of the business affected by the cuts.

BAE already announced it plans to cut 500 jobs in its combat vehicles and weapons unit.

The latest cuts affect 3,700 workers at 11 sites on radar surveillance, command and information systems and underwater systems to Britain and overseas defence and security customers. The company employs 105,000 people worldwide.