AEROSPACE

Saudis to Restructure Arms Payments: Saudi Arabia has signed an agreement under which the cash-strapped nation will restructure $9.2 billion in payments due over the next two years to five American defense contractors, U.S. defense officials said. The deal could also clear the way for a reported plan by the Saudis to buy $6 billion in commercial airliners. The officials said the deal was signed Saturday by representatives of the two governments and of McDonnell Douglas, Raytheon, General Dynamics, FMC and General Motors. The agreement chiefly affects a $9-billion deal by the Saudis to buy 72 McDonnell F-15 fighters. Instead of taking delivery of two jets monthly beginning next year, the Saudis will buy one a month, said the officials, who asked not to be identified.