A MAJOR weapons deal has been struck after years of being in the pipeline to secure more than 100 jobs in Barrow.

In a move welcomed by Barrow and Furness MP John Woodcock, BAE Systems have agreed a deal to sell M777 howitzers to the Indian Army through a foreign military sale between the U.S. and Indian governments.

The contract, which is worth $542 million, has been received by the U.S. Department of Defense and is set to create 130 jobs in Barrow alone.

Mr Woodcock heralded the confirmation of the deal as a "boost for the town" after "years of hard work."

He said: "Finally landing the long-pursued India deal is great news for Barrow and a credit to the innovation and dedication of the too often unsung workforce in BAE Global Combat Systems across the road from the submarine enterprise.

"The deal has been in the pipeline for years and final sign off means 130 jobs will be created in Barrow and a similar number in the supply chain across the UK.

"It was an excellent campaign to win this deal and it is a real boost to the whole town to kick off the new year.”

India joins the U.S., Canadian, and Australian forces in gaining the proven pedigree of the M777, which delivers rapid reaction capability and decisive and responsive firepower in sustained combat conditions.

Joe Senftle, vice president and general manager of weapon systems at BAE Systems, said: "We look forward to working with the Indian Army and providing the only battle-proven 155mm ultra lightweight howitzer in the world.

"The M777 will give the Indian Army superior artillery capability.

"M777 will remain at the forefront of artillery technology well into the future through the use of technical insertions, long-range precision guided munition developments, and flexible mobility options."

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Work on the contract will begin immediately and will be performed by BAE Systems and its suppliers across the United Kingdom, United States, and India.

Deliveries are scheduled to begin in June 2017.

The shipyard is set to hire thousands of workers over the next few years as work continues to build the next fleet of Successor class submarines.