American aerospace and defense technology company, Northrop Grumman Corp., will cut 150 jobs from its Florida-based laser-weaponry factory. Those affected are highly paid, highly technical positions.

Over 14% of the factory’s 1,100 workers will be affected by the layoffs according to a spokeswoman for Northrop. Notices will be issued later this month, and are expected to take place sometime in mid-March.

“This work-force reduction action is regrettable, but unavoidable,” said Yolanda Murphy, spokeswoman for the company. “It is imperative that the company properly adjusts staffing levels to accommodate anticipated business needs going forward.”

These are the first layoffs for Northrop’s Laser Systems Division in nearly 20 years and are tied to budget cuts at the Defense Department.

Robert Gates, the U.S. Defense secretary, has revealed his proposal of $80 billion in cuts during the next few years.

“This is surprising, very surprising,” Gates asid. “I Know that Northrop received a very large contract last year for weapons, targeting systems; I had hoped that would help them avoid work-force reductions. This is not good news.”