** Shares of defense contractor General Dynamics GD.N rise nearly 3.3% to about $324 premarket

** Co posts a 12% rise in Q1 profit, driven by continued strength in its marine and combat segments

** Reports Q1 profit per share of $4.10, compared with $3.66 a year ago

** Co's quarterly revenue rose 10.3% to $13.48 billion from a year ago

** As of last close, GD down 6.8% YTD