Saab Collaborates with Anduril to Manufacture Rocket Motors for GLSDB

Saab, the Swedish defense and aerospace company, has officially partnered with Anduril Industries to produce solid rocket motors for its Ground-Launched Small Diameter Bomb (GLSDB), a munition developed in collaboration with Boeing. This strategic alliance, announced on June 20, 2025, marks a significant development in the U.S. defense sector, as it seeks to expand the limited number of suppliers in the solid rocket motor market.

The GLSDB is designed to provide the U.S. military with a cost-effective, precision-guided munition capable of 360-degree targeting. The partnership aims to enhance munitions production capabilities amid increasing demands, particularly in light of military support to Ukraine and the need to replenish U.S. stockpiles. As Brad Barnard, Vice President and General Manager of Saab's U.S. subsidiary, noted, the collaboration with Anduril aligns with Saab’s broader strategy to establish a strong presence in the U.S.

According to Barnard, the choice of Anduril was driven by its innovative approach and readiness to meet delivery timelines. The transition to Anduril's solid rocket motors marks a departure from the outdated M26 MLRS motor previously used in the GLSDB, ensuring the munition remains effective and relevant in contemporary military operations.

Anduril Industries, which has made significant investments in solid rocket motor technology, acquired a manufacturing facility in McHenry, Mississippi, and plans to produce around 6,000 rocket motors annually. Neil Thurgood, Anduril’s Senior Vice President for Air and Ground Deterrence, emphasized the necessity for increased competition in the solid rocket motor sector, which has historically been dominated by a few major players.

Thurgood highlighted the company's commitment to delivering an optimized rocket motor design focused on safety and affordability. Anduril's innovative approach includes utilizing advanced manufacturing techniques such as single-piece-flow production and automated systems, which are expected to enhance production efficiency and quality.

The partnership is also timely, as the U.S. Defense Department aims to bolster its missile capabilities in response to evolving global threats. The transition to full-rate production of the new rocket motors is anticipated by 2026, following a rigorous testing and certification process. The first system-level tests are expected in the second or third quarter of the coming year.

This partnership not only reinforces the strategic capabilities of Saab and Anduril but also reflects a broader trend in the U.S. defense industry towards increasing domestic production and enhancing competition among suppliers. As geopolitical tensions persist, the demand for advanced munitions solutions underscores the importance of this collaboration, positioning both companies as critical players in the defense landscape.

In summary, the collaboration between Saab and Anduril signifies a pivotal step towards enhancing U.S. military capabilities in precision-guided munitions. With the ongoing need for modernization and innovation in defense technologies, this partnership is poised to make substantial contributions to national security and defense readiness.