DEFENCE manufacturer BAE Systems has posted a 3% fall in first half profits after it was hit by a delay in the completion of a key deal with Saudi Arabia as well as lower spending by European and the US military.The company, a key regional employers with major manufacturing sites in Lancashire and Cumbria, reported pre-exceptional earnings (ebitda) of £939m in the six months to the end of June on sales 10% lower at £8.33bn.BAE, which makes Tornado fighter jets near Preston and is part of the Eurofighter consortium, said......for the full story register now for free or login below...