General Dynamics European Land Systems (GDELS) – Bridge Systems has received an order for a fourth batch of M3 amphibious bridge and ferry systems for the Swedish armed forces, with a contract signed by Swedish procurement agency Försvarets Materielverk (FMV) on 4 September 2024.
The order further strengthens the Swedish Army’s wet-gap-crossing capabilities, with its M3 fleet alone now being able to bridge 400 m of obstacles.
The Swedish Army also operates the GDELS Improved Ribbon Bridge (IRB) pontoon system and coupling adapters for the combined operation of both bridge types. This enables multinational missions with partners such as the United States, United Kingdom, Germany, the Netherlands and Latvia, which use the same systems.
“Sweden is thus spearheading interoperability within NATO, implementing lessons learned from the latest deployments, exercises and studies,” GDELS stated in a press release.
The M3 amphibious bridge and ferry system is “the fastest available means for wet gap crossing within NATO”, according to GDELS. It can be used as a floating bridge or ferry to carry even the heaviest main battle tanks across wide wet gaps.
“The all-terrain M3 is ready for use within minutes – a vital factor on today’s transparent battlefield,” GDELS noted. “The system has proven itself in use under a wide range of climatic and topographical conditions, from the tropics to the Arctic.”
