WORLD class aerospace and defence group Cobham is to cut 90 jobs at Flight Refuelling, Wimborne - despite the order book being at "an all-time high."

Cobham is being forced to cut jobs in non-core areas in a bid to remain competitive against low-cost economies.

Costs at Cobham have increased since the group sold its FR HiTemp business at Wimborne to US group Eaton.

Flight Refuelling director and general manager Stewart Partridge said: "We operate in a highly competitive and challenging market.

"The capabilities of lower cost economies are continually increasing and their use has accelerated in the aerospace and defence sectors.

"Our competitors are evolving and presenting a threat to our business - some have forged alliances with emerging economies with lower cost bases."

But Cobham was "in a very strong position," he said.

"The order book is at an all time high, with products on the Eurofighter Typhoon, Boeing V22 and the Airbus A330 and A400M.

"Further orders are in place and set to deliver growth of 10 per cent per annum.

"Over the last 18 months we have invested heavily in our capabilities and people to deliver performance, and are committed to continuing our investment.

"However, we cannot be complacent and must plan for the long term to ensure our business is here and successful in 30 years and more.

"Therefore, our focus will be on creating a world-class facility investing in and exploiting our key technologies and core competencies in programme management, engineering, supply chain, assembly and test, systems integration and testing for design and development," he added.