BAE Systems reports 9% rise in first half earnings

LONDON (Reuters) - BAE Systems <BAES.L>, Britain's biggest defence company, said operational improvements in its first half drove a 9% rise in core earnings to 999 million pounds, underpinning its guidance for the full year.

The maker of Typhoon fighters, combat vehicles and Astute Class nuclear-powered attack submarines, stuck to its full-year earnings per share forecast of 42.9 pence, assuming a $1.30 to sterling exchange rate, as the better operational performance helped offset restructuring charges.

(Reporting by Paul Sandle; editing by Guy Faulconbridge)