HUNDREDS of defence industry workers in Hampshire have seen their job

security improve after their company landed a £2.9m contract.

Aerospace group Meggitt has signed a deal with the Canadian group Schreiner, which assembles, services and operates unmanned air, ground and sea vehicles as well as targets for training military forces and the defence industry.

Meggitt, which is based at Wimborne in Dorset but has two bases near Fareham, said the move continued its strategy of acquiring businesses in the aerospace and defence sectors. It already makes target systems that are used in more than 30 countries.

Schreiner's vehicles include the Barracuda, a craft used in minesweeping operations and undersea warfare.

It also makes an inflatable target capable of withstanding up to five direct hits, used for training in sea operations.

Its impact evaluation system features a video camera used to calculate how close shots are to their target.

The firm, which is a subsidiary of Dutch group Schreiner Luchtvaart, had sales of £4m in the year to December 31.

Meggitt chief executive Terry Twigger said: "This acquisition further enhances the group's position in the worldwide targets market and continues our strategy of acquiring complementary businesses in the aerospace and defence sectors."

Meggitt employs around 5,200 staff, of which 300 work at sites at Segensworth and Titchfield.

Workers there concentrate on cockpit instrumentation, flight data recorders, engine monitoring and life support oxygen systems.

In a separate announcement, fellow defence group VT, based at Hedge End, near Southampton, said its support services arm had acquired a 50 per cent stake in careers advisory group Guidance Enterprises.

This will help it establish a presence in the north of England, where it traditionally has little exposure.