GM Defense has wrapped up production of a custom-designed armored SUV, built for the U.S. State Department’s Diplomatic Security Service.
The Suburban Shield
The Suburban Shield, built to support the Diplomatic Security Service’s Heavy-Duty armored Sport Utility Vehicle program, is modeled on the Chevy Suburban, but is not Chevrolet-branded since it is not commercially available. The DSS HD SUV program intends to deliver the same types of vehicles to other federal agencies nationwide.
GM took on the $300 million contract to build the next generation of DSS HD SUV vehicles in December 2023.
Built for Strength and Speed
The Suburban Shield’s body-on-frame chassis and suspension allow the vehicle to travel at high speeds and stop quickly while being held strong by armored plating. After a full prototype was unveiled to the State Department, GM Defense got to work on the current Suburban Shield model.
“Our Suburban Shield significantly enhances the quality, performance, and safety that is essential to the Diplomatic Security Service and provides our nation’s senior diplomats and their supporting teams a vehicle that enables their important mission for diplomacy and national security,” said Steve duMont, GM Defense president.
Image: GM Defense President Steve duMont and Assistant Secretary of State for Diplomatic Security Gentry Smith with the Suburban Shield (Steve Fecht for GM Defense)
