Barrow submarine yard owner BAE Systems has said its trading for the first half of this year was in line with what was expected.

For this period, which ends in June, the company has received several major projects, which have helped its performance.

This includes the the full £1.4bn contract for the sixth Astute Class submarine, which will be built in Barrow and was awarded last month.

The company has also been awarded a £87m contract from the American army to provide support for its M88 recovery vehicles and a £419m contract to provide 145 M777 ultra-lightweight howitzer guns to India.

Chief executive Ian King, who will step down next month, said: "We have started the year with good momentum building on a strong operational performance in 2016 and the business is performing well.

"Our strategy is well defined, we have a large order backlog, long-term programme positions and a well balanced portfolio. With an improving outlook for defence budgets in a number of our markets, in 2017 and beyond we are well placed to continue to generate attractive returns for shareholders."

The company will release its results for the half year ending June 30 on August 2.