BAE Systems has secured a £360 million order from the US defence department, the latest in a string of global deals for the firm. Europe's second biggest weapons manufacturer, BAE Systems (BAE), has been contracted to deliver a range of armoured vehicles for use in US marine operations in Iraq and Afghanistan.

The UK-based firm, which works with over 7,000 other companies across the UK to deliver its products, now generates 60 per cent of its business from the US. This latest order takes the value of mine-resistant and ambush-protected vehicles due for delivery to around £1.47 billion.

In 2005, BAE purchased United Defense Industries for $4.13 billion and last year expanded its global presence when it acquired Armour Holdings for $4.14 billion. The deals make BAE the largest foreign supplier to deal with the US defence department.

Last year BAE spent over £3 billion with its UK suppliers. Find out what the firm has to say about its contribution to the UK aerospace sector.

BAE has also agreed to the purchase of Tenix Group, which manufactures military technology, for a sum of up to Aus$775 million (£355 million).

The added aerospace and defence sales will see the revenue from Australian business double for the firm.