SYRACUSE, NEW YORK : Saab, Inc. has been selected by the U.S. Missile Defense Agency (MDA) as an awardee under the Scalable Homeland Innovative Enterprise Layered Defense (SHIELD) indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity (ID/IQ) contract, a long-term acquisition framework valued at up to $151 billion.
The SHIELD contract is structured as a multiple-award vehicle designed to support the rapid development, integration, and deployment of next-generation missile defense capabilities for the United States. Saab’s selection allows the company to compete for future task orders issued by the MDA over the contract’s period of performance, which could extend through December 2035 if all options are exercised. At this stage, Saab has not received any delivery orders or signed contracts for work under the program.
Purpose and Scope of the SHIELD Program
The SHIELD framework is intended to streamline acquisition and fielding of advanced technologies by the Missile Defense Agency, with an emphasis on speed, flexibility, and scalability. The program focuses on accelerating the transition of innovative capabilities to operational use, covering work areas such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, digital engineering, open systems architectures, and integrated command and control.
Through this structure, the MDA aims to strengthen layered defense capabilities against threats originating from land, sea, air, and space. The ID/IQ model enables the agency to draw from a broad pool of established defense companies and emerging technology firms, issuing task orders as operational requirements evolve.
Saab’s Role and Capabilities
As an SHIELD awardee, Saab, Inc. is positioned to provide systems integration, sensor solutions, command and control technologies, and layered defense expertise in response to future MDA requirements. The company stated that the selection reflects its ability to support rapid integration and delivery of complex defense systems.
“Saab’s proven systems integration and layered defense capabilities deliver scalable missile defense solutions that directly support the warfighter,” said Erik Smith, President and Chief Executive Officer of Saab, Inc. He added that by combining advanced sensors, command and control systems, and rapid integration expertise, the company aims to meet mission timelines while addressing evolving threat environments.
U.S. Operations and Industrial Expansion
Saab, Inc. is headquartered in Syracuse, New York, and is a wholly owned subsidiary of Saab AB of Sweden. The U.S. subsidiary supports the U.S. Armed Forces and other federal partners and has been expanding its domestic industrial footprint.
A major element of this expansion is a new munitions manufacturing facility under construction in Grayling, Michigan. Groundbreaking for the facility took place in April 2025, with operations expected to begin in 2026. The site is intended to increase U.S.-based production capacity for shoulder-launched weapons and precision fire systems, contributing to domestic supply chain resilience.
Global Company Overview
Saab AB designs, manufactures, and sustains defense and security systems across multiple domains, including aeronautics, weapons, command and control, sensors, and underwater systems. The company employs approximately 27,000 people worldwide.
Saab’s inclusion in the SHIELD contract places it among industry participants supporting the modernization of U.S. missile defense architecture through adaptable, technology-driven solutions. While the selection does not guarantee future work, it establishes Saab, Inc. as an eligible competitor for forthcoming missile defense task orders under the SHIELD program.
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