Saab announces a new 10,000 sq. ft. production facility for Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) in Cranston, Rhode Island. The Cranston facility will also house the Autonomous and Undersea Systems Division of Saab, Inc. led by industry veteran Jeff Smith. The new Saab location is adjacent to partner SyQwest’s headquarters and close to the U.S. Naval Undersea Warfare Center in Newport, RI.
Saab is partnering with SyQwest, a leading manufacturer of subsea acoustic systems, to leverage the advanced production and test capabilities of their ISO 9001 rated facility.
“Our new Rhode Island location and partnership with SyQwest allows Saab to focus on rapidly transitioning products in our corporate portfolio from Sweden to the U.S. for further development and production. Additionally, our new Autonomous and Undersea Systems Division will enable U.S. specialized variants of proven Saab maritime products to support existing and emerging U.S. military needs, we’re fortunate to have an industry veteran like Jeff Smith leading this division as Vice President and General Manager. He brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to our growing company.”
Erik Smith, President and CEO of Saab, Inc.
The new division will significantly increase Saab’s presence in the United States, leveraging market-leading capabilities in ASW Training Targets, Remotely Operated Vehicles, Unmanned Underwater Vehicles, and emerging capabilities in Unmanned Surface Vehicles. Saab plans to hire 15-17 people by the end of the year to support its initial work in Rhode Island.
“We see this collaboration with Saab as a great way to continue to grow our market. SyQwest’s capabilities align perfectly with Saab to be able to support the development and production of greater volumes of undersea platforms.”
Robert Tarini, SyQwest’s chairman.
Saab currently produces these systems throughout Sweden and the United Kingdom. This U.S. expansion is part of Saab’s strategy for international growth focusing on key operational countries.
As the Vice President and General Manager for the Autonomous and Undersea Systems Division, Jeff Smith is tasked with standing up U.S. based development and production capabilities following a familiar model to Saab’s technology transfer success in radar systems, air traffic management, aerostructures, and land systems.
