SHERIDAN, WYOMING – May 6, 2025 – A new era of security and sophistication is on the move as GM Defense begins supplying its state-of-the-art Suburban Shield armored vehicles to the Qatar Armed Forces and Special Forces Command. These advanced SUVs are set to redefine how VIPs and diplomats are protected, blending rugged performance with refined reliability—straight from the factory floor.
The Suburban Shield isn’t just another armored vehicle. Built from the ground up on General Motors’ trusted full-size SUV and pickup architecture, it’s a powerhouse of protection, comfort, and cutting-edge design. And for Qatar’s elite military units, this means next-level support for high-stakes missions that demand both safety and speed.
Designed for Demanding Missions
What sets the Suburban Shield apart is its original-equipment manufacturer (OEM) approach. Unlike traditional methods that retrofit civilian vehicles with armor, GM Defense integrates protective features right into the manufacturing process. This leads to stronger, more reliable protection from day one.
“The Suburban Shield offers the Qatar Armed Forces unrivaled performance thanks to GM’s advanced technologies,” said Steve duMont, president of GM Defense. “We engineered the Suburban Shield from the ground up as a protected vehicle using GM’s world-class process and tools to deliver the reliability and quality expected from a GM vehicle.”
Key features of the Suburban Shield include:
- A unique body-on-frame chassis and suspension system to handle increased weight and rugged terrain
- A high percentage of commercial-grade parts for easier maintenance and proven reliability
- Advanced digital engineering for streamlined development and optimized performance
- Independent armoring certification with customizable options to meet specific mission needs
Built with Confidence—and Quality
Consumers in Qatar can rest assured knowing the same high standards that go into GM’s popular commercial vehicles are behind the Suburban Shield. From the brakes to the interior, every detail has been rigorously tested and validated.
“Our OEM-provided solution benefits from GM’s world-class technologies, engineering and validation capabilities, and global quality management systems that traditional defense contractors don’t offer,” said Bradley Watters, vice president of international business development for GM Defense. “With Suburban Shield, GM Defense delivers a one-of-a-kind solution that outperforms previous generation vehicles.”
This commitment to excellence ensures the Qatar Armed Forces receive a vehicle not only fit for today’s diplomatic and tactical demands, but also built to last well into the future.
Already Trusted Around the Globe
The Suburban Shield is also making waves in the United States, where it supports the U.S. Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service. This shared trust from international and domestic security agencies highlights the vehicle’s exceptional build quality and mission-readiness.
Whether navigating complex urban environments or ensuring safe travel across open desert roads, the Suburban Shield stands as a global benchmark in armored vehicle innovation.
Availability and What’s Next
The Suburban Shield is now in deployment with the Qatar Armed Forces, signaling a new standard for security vehicles in the region. As demand grows, GM Defense remains committed to expanding access to this advanced platform for military and diplomatic operations worldwide.
To explore more about the Suburban Shield and GM Defense’s growing portfolio, visit www.GMDefenseLLC.com.