Saab announces U.S. munitions facility

Saab, the Swedish defense and aerospace giant, has announced plans to construct a new manufacturing facility in the United States dedicated to munitions production. This move signifies a significant expansion of Saab’s presence within the U.S. defense industrial base.

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Damyon Knerr, a combat engineer with 3d Littoral Combat Team, 3d Marine Littoral Regiment, 3d Marine Division, sets security with an M3A1 Multi-purpose Anti-armor Anti-personnel Weapon System during exercise Bougainville II at Pacific Missile Range Facility, Barking Sands, Hawaii, Oct. 31, 2022. 3d MLR interdicted a notional adversary maritime surface platform to set conditions for joint force follow on actions. BVII is a field exercise that allows the MLR and its subordinate units to conduct expeditionary advanced base operations across the island of Oahu. BVII displays the MLR’s ability to rapidly establish and displace EABs while executing command and control in a dispersed environment. 3d MLR’s Bougainville II is integrated into the Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Center training rotation 23-01 that strengthens defense relationships, fosters multinational interoperability, increase readiness, and reinforces the unified regional land power network of the Joint Force. This rotation of JPRMC includes participants from all U.S joint services as well as active participants from Thailand, Indonesia, and the Philippines. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Israel Chincio)

The new facility will focus on the development and production of advanced weapon systems for the U.S. military. Key areas of focus include components for the Ground-Launched Small Diameter Bomb (GLSDB) and close combat weapon systems, such as the M3A1 Multi-Role Anti-Armor Anti-Personnel Weapon System (MAAWS).

One of the close combat weapon systems Saab supplies to the U.S. is the M3A1 MAAWS. This 84mm recoilless rifle is a lightweight, man-portable weapon used by U.S. Army and Special Forces units. This man-portable system offers troops a potent tool against various targets, including light and medium armor, personnel in defilade or open positions, bunkers, and structural targets at ranges exceeding 1,300 meters.

The new facility arrives at a critical juncture. Following successful testing in January 2024 and having been cleared for export to Ukraine, the GLSDB is poised to significantly bolster Ukrainian defenses against Russian aggression. This long-range weapon system boasts a glide capability that doubles the strike range compared to existing options in Ukraine’s arsenal. This extended reach allows Ukrainian forces to disrupt Russian supply lines and command centers further behind the front lines. With the establishment of this new U.S. production facility, deliveries of the GLSDB to Ukraine can now proceed without delays, enhancing their ability to counter Russian forces and defend their territory.

Saab emphasizes that this new facility will serve a dual purpose. Firstly, it will bolster domestic production of critical weapon systems, reducing reliance on foreign manufacturing. Secondly, it will strengthen the global supply chain for these systems, ensuring a steady flow of essential equipment to the U.S. military.

The press release highlights Saab’s commitment to a rapid timeline. Final site selection and groundbreaking are expected in 2024, with production commencing by 2026. This accelerated schedule reflects an understanding of the U.S. military’s urgent need for modern and reliable weaponry.

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