The Ministry of Defence's Joint Strike Fighter programme may benefit local companies, according to Defence Secretary Geoff Hoon.

The Joint Strike Fighter, hailed as the best aircraft of its type in the world, is set to replace the MOD's Harrier and Sea Harrier aircraft early in the next decade.

As the programme moves into the Engineering and Manufacturing Development stage, local companies that could benefit are HDA Forgings and the Hymatic Engineering Company, both in Redditch.

"Participation in the JSF programme represents a tremendous opportunity for UK industry," said Mr Hoon.

"UK companies are well represented in each of the competing consortia and we expect that work on the Engineering and Manufacturing Development phase will create or sustain 5,000 UK jobs in around 70 companies."

Britain has been working with the US on the Joint Strike Fighter programme, as full collaborative partners, since 1996.

The JSF will be a single seat, supersonic aircraft, incorporating stealth technology, capable of performing multi-role operations from aircraft carriers and from land.

"JSF will not simply replace the Harrier, it will give the UK an aircraft that can take off from an aircraft carrier and provide the agility of a light fighter with the punch of a bomber," said Mr Hoon.

"Put simply, it will be the best aircraft of its type in the world."