Jan 29 (Reuters) - General Dynamics ( GD ) beat Wall

Street estimates for fourth-quarter profit on Wednesday, as

sustained demand for military munitions and vehicles boosted its

defense businesses.

The Virginia-based company reported a 14% rise in quarterly

profit to $4.15 per share, compared with analysts' estimates of

$4.05 cents per share, according to data compiled by LSEG.

Global demand for weapons and other military equipment

remained strong owing to the Russia-Ukraine war and the

escalation of conflicts in the Middle East during the quarter.

Still, investors are concerned government defense budgets

could face cuts under the newly formed Department of Government

Efficiency (DOGE) headed by billionaire Elon Musk. Some

analysts, however, have said Trump's comments on acquiring

Greenland and taking over the Panama Canal should support the

case for increased spending.

For the quarter ended Dec. 31, the General Dynamics ( GD ) unit

which makes weapon systems and military vehicles posted a 1.3%

rise in revenue, while its segment making nuclear-powered

submarines reported a 16.2% rise.

Shares of the company were down 1.6% before the bell.