US weapons makers sense rising demand for air defense systems, tanks

Military crises around the world are boosting foreign demand for U.S. weapons, especially air and missile defense systems, spy equipment and armored vehicles, according to the U.S. government and industry officials.

Weapons makers like Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, Boeing and Raytheon anticipate new markets for their goods, which could help offset lower U.S. military spending.

The Ukraine crisis is reviving long-dormant European demand, while the emerging threat from militant groups like Islamic State in Iraq and Syria has underpinned already strong Middle Eastern demand.

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