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The government must boost its support for defence firm BAE systems and the UK industry after the company announced plans to cut 3,000 jobs, the Commons has heard.
Speaking in an adjournment debate, Labour MP Mark Hendrick said the cuts in defence jobs in Lancashire and Yorkshire will have four times the impact on unemployment as previously thought.
The Preston MP said the cuts at the two sites, one in Lancashire and one in East Yorkshire, were a "devastating blow" to the local economy.
Most of the planned cuts will be in BAE's military aircraft division, which are being affected by a slowdown in orders for the Eurofighter Typhoon fighter aircraft.
Hendrick told MPs it will have a major impact on the workers, their families and also the wider community and economy.
He said: "As well as the contribution BAE makes directly, many of the jobs in Lancashire depend on it.
"It has been independently estimated that each aerospace job creates four or five related jobs in the supply chain.
"That means there is a multiplier effect in terms of unemployment and therefore the economic picture is far worse than the headline figure would suggest."
He added: "Britain will not recover from the global economic crisis without a strong manufacturing base."
For the government, enterprise minister Mark Prisk said the business department appreciated the huge impact the job losses would have on the regional and national economy.
The minister told MPs the government recognised the human cost involved in such cuts, and how they affect individuals, families and communities.
And he recognised that BAE Systems is one of the largest employers in Lancashire.
"I am acutely aware of the depth of the local impact that will affect many people, " he told the chamber.
He said: "Although a decision of this nature is a commercial issue for the company, it is therefore absolutely right that the government should do all they can to help those affected.
"The government is determined to take the necessary action both to support the individuals and to ensure UK defence and manufacturing businesses prosper over the long term."
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