THE RAF's new Typhoon jets were shown off at BAE Systems in Warton yesterday after returning from a sales campaign in Singapore.

And the Air Force says it is "delighted" with its new jet - parts of which are made in East Lancashire.

The plane was developed with the help of staff at BAE's Samlesbury plant, where components for the fighter are made.

RAF pilots had flown two of the jets to Singapore, where the Republic of Singapore Air Force is considering buying the aircraft.

The fighter, which has been developed by a consortium of companies in the UK, Germany, Spain and Italy, is competing against two rival projects, the US-made Joint Strike Fighter and the French Rafael.

Air Chief Marshal Sir Brian Burridge, Commander-in-Chief Strike Command, said the RAF was delighted with the progress of the programme.

He said: "I welcome home the personnel involved in the RAF's first overseas deployment of Typhoon. What I can say is that from the RAF's perspective, the exercise was not only successful in getting the planes out there and back but also very worthwhile in testing the aircraft."

He added: "We have been operating Typhoon for six months. It has greatly exceeded our expectations. I have never experienced an aircraft as reliable as this one at this stage in its life.

"I know in the past it has been troubled both in terms of international politics and in terms of its development, but as a customer, the RAF is delighted with it.

"This is the aircraft that people will want. It is an amazing aircraft."