Boosting U.S. Defense: Saab Continues to Grow Domestic Manufacturing and Workforce
Saab’s U.S. products and services are made for America. By increasing domestic manufacturing capabilities we are creating a stronger national defense, fostering local workforce development, creating high-quality jobs and building deep connections to local communities.
In times of conflict and peace, having a strong domestic presence, especially at the local community level, provides increased support, closer collaborations with end-users and improved capacity to deliver solutions to some of the most complex challenges that characterize the world today.
In September, Saab announced our latest initiative in the U.S. with a world-class munitions facility in Grayling, Michigan. This will be Saab’s 10th location in the U.S., and represents a key step in the company’s broader commitment to growing its U.S. manufacturing footprint and expanding its capacity to deliver exceptional products at speed.
An Expanding Portfolio of Innovative Technologies
With each facility, Saab has heavily invested in boosting domestic supply chains to provide tailored products and solutions across five product portfolios: Land, Aerospace, Autonomous and Undersea and Surveillance systems, as well as Saab’s latest initiative, Skapa.
Land Systems
The Land Systems portfolio includes combat systems like the AT4 and the Carl-Gustaf® weapon systems, as well as critical training and simulation tools, Barracuda camouflage systems and precision fire artillery such as the Ground-Launched Small Diameter Bomb.
The newly announced Grayling facility will focus specifically on the final assembly and integration of shoulder-fired munitions and precision fire systems. At full production, the Grayling site will create over 70 full-time jobs in fields ranging from engineering to assembly, bringing new opportunities to Northern Michigan’s workforce.
Aerospace Systems
As part of the company’s commitment to increasing U.S. domestic production capabilities, Saab is helping develop the future of U.S. Air Force pilot training with the T-7A Red Hawk. Having recently completed the technology transfer between the U.S. and Sweden, Saab now manufactures the T-7A aft fuselage at its state-of-the-art facility in West Lafayette, Indiana.
The facility is working toward its anticipated plan of providing more than 300 full-time jobs at full production. The company has also partnered with nearby Purdue University to develop AI capabilities for the Office of Naval Research, in addition to ongoing joint research to innovate airport management technology.
Autonomous and Undersea Systems (AUS)
The AUS portfolio leverages market-leading capabilities to support contracts with the U.S. Navy across its Rhode Island and Massachusetts facilities. The work at these facilities enables U.S. specialized variants of proven Saab maritime products to support existing and emerging U.S. military needs.
Saab’s has partnered with MIT’s underwater robotics program to promote innovation and education and ensure students can explore underwater robotics technology.
Surveillance Systems
Saab Inc.’s headquarters in Syracuse, NY, is home to the company’s advanced radar and sensor system production. Saab’s surveillance systems division develops solutions for defense and commercial applications.
Skapa
Based in San Diego, CA, Skapa by Saab is a new initiative to accelerate the development and deployment of cutting-edge technologies and solutions and is already making an impact across Digital and AI and Naval Autonomy.
Looking Ahead
“Our mission is to keep people and society safe. That includes where there may be instability in any corner of the world, but also among those we call neighbors in the communities we call home,” said Erik Smith, president and CEO of Saab in the U.S.
As Saab prepares to construct its newest facility, the company remains focused on advancing research and development, supporting domestic manufacturing, strengthening national defense capabilities and being a good neighbor.
The Grayling munitions facility represents more than just an expansion—it’s a testament to Saab’s commitment to developing solutions for America’s defense needs, creating jobs in local communities, and investing in the future of U.S. manufacturing.