Saab, a global leader in aerospace and defense manufacturing, announced its plans to construct a $75 million munitions production facility in Grayling Township, Michigan. An investigation into Saab’s new ammunition plant in Grayling reveals the intricate components of the military-industrial complex at the state level, primarily involving politicians, military officials, corporate interests, government agencies, and local representatives.
Political Involvement
Since assuming office in 2019, Governor Gretchen Whitmer has actively championed Michigan’s role in defense manufacturing, establishing the Office of Defense and Aerospace Innovation (ODAI) to attract international arms manufacturers. Her administration has provided corporate incentives to military contractors in an effort to position Michigan as a hub for defense production.
Whitmer has cultivated political alliances, including ties with Michigan Senator Gary Peters, to bolster her defense industry initiatives. She has also engaged internationally, visiting NATO and regions such as Taiwan to promote Michigan’s defense sector. Her administration has encouraged military training programs and international exercises to enhance the market demand for Michigan-made weaponry, indirectly escalating global military tensions.
Military Leadership and Influence
Upon taking office, Whitmer appointed Paul Rogers as Adjutant General of the Michigan National Guard. Rogers previously directed the U.S. Army Tank and Automotive Research and Development Engineering Center (TARDEC), where he collaborated with corporate and academic entities on military technology. His vision of leveraging military resources for both national defense and private industry aligned with Whitmer’s broader economic strategy.
In July 2020, Rogers spearheaded the integration of multiple Michigan military installations—including Camp Grayling, Alpena Combat Readiness Training Center, Selfridge Air National Guard Base, and Battle Creek Air National Guard Base—into the NADWC. This move effectively branded Michigan as a prime destination for defense testing and development.
Colonel Scott Myers, who assumed command of Camp Grayling in 2020, actively supported its expansion and became a key player in Rogers’ strategy. By 2024, he was promoted to the rank of Brigadier General and served as the Michigan National Guard Assistant Adjutant General for Initiatives, overseeing NADWC operations and military exercises. Rogers and Myers have repeatedly advocated for Saab, highlighting underlying interests in the project.
Administrative Role in Facilitating Saab’s Entry
The Whitmer administration expedited the bureaucratic process for Saab’s facility. The Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) justified the project as an economic boon, while the Michigan Strategic Fund (MSF) granted substantial financial incentives, including a $3.5 million Michigan Business Development Program (MBDP) grant and a 15-year, 100% exemption from the State Essential Services Assessment (SESA).
On January 9, 2025, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (MDNR) disclosed that it had agreed to sell 350 acres of land to Saab for $790,000 under a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Grayling community.
Local Government Actions and Public Opposition
Despite strong opposition from local residents and environmental groups, Grayling’s local government endorsed the project. On January 9, 2025, the Crawford County Economic Development Partnership (CCEDP) Committee voted 8-3 in favor of selling the land, disregarding protests. Days later, on January 15, 2025, the Grayling Township Committee unanimously approved the sale.
Supervisor Lacey Stephen and Trustee Joe Smock of the Grayling Township played pivotal roles in pushing the decision through. Notably, on January 7, 2025, Michigan’s Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) allocated $26.5 million for Grayling Township municipal water extension projects, raising concerns about potential quid pro quo arrangements. Additionally, the nephew of former National Guard member Smock was reportedly offered a position at the Saab facility, further fueling suspicions of undue influence.
Saab’s Corporate Strategy and Environmental Concerns
Saab, one of many defense manufacturers operating in Michigan, has strategically expanded its U.S. presence with ten production facilities nationwide. While the company claims to contribute positively to local economies by creating jobs and investing in communities, its primary objective remains profit-driven.
Saab has employed political donations, post-military employment offers, and community incentives to gain favor, often downplaying environmental risks. Environmental organizations have criticized the company’s assessments as inadequate, citing insufficient data on potential health hazards associated with weapons manufacturing.
The military-industrial complex wields significant influence at the state level, leveraging governmental structures at multiple tiers—state, county, and local—to achieve its objectives. This influence manifests through public relations efforts, legal maneuvers, and procedural manipulations. While the military-industrial complex benefits financially and politically, its operations have concerning implications:
- Erosion of Public Trust: The opaque and often coercive methods used to advance military projects undermine faith in democratic governance.
- Environmental and Health Risks: Military production and testing contribute to long-term pollution, posing threats to local ecosystems and public health.
- Economic Disparities: The uneven distribution of financial gains exacerbates income inequality, while an overreliance on defense industries fosters economic instability and job market vulnerabilities.
Lesley Garcia is a citizen researcher from Crawford, Michigan, and a Navy veteran with a degree from the University of Pennsylvania. Her research interests include the operations of the military-industrial complex, deep state influence, and the intersection of political and military corruption.
