Boeing, Saab see Asia's demand for surveillance systems rising

[SINGAPORE] Boeing Co, the second-biggest defence contractor in the US, and Saab expect demand for maritime and aerial surveillance systems to grow in Asia as territorial disputes intensify.

Demand for maritime patrol craft and affiliated equipment in the Asia-Pacific region is expected to grow steadily for the foreseeable future, Chris Chadwick, head of Boeing's defence business, said on Friday in Singapore.

Boeing and Stockholm, Sweden-based Saab both manufacture aircraft used for maritime patrol and surveillance. "Every country has the responsibility to look after their borders and territories," Anders Dahl, head of Singapore operations for Saab, said. "If you look at the geography of the region, that is very complicated."