The ongoing fraud investigations into BAE Systems are damaging perceptions of the UK around the world, the outgoing chief executive of Britain’s largest arms contractor warned on Friday.

Mike Turner’s warning came as he presented his last set of results at the helm of the defence group, which posted record orders of £41.1bn for the first half on the back of strong demand for its armoured vehicles. Mr Turner said the probes hit not only the image of BAE but the UK.