The Dutch Materiel and IT Command (COMMIT) took delivery of the first part of an Improved Ribbon Bridge (IRB) pontoon bridge system from General Dynamics European Land Systems (GDELS) – Bridge Systems in Hedel on 25 November 2024, the company reported four days later.
A total of three systems were ordered, each of which consists of several bridge pontoons, new bridge erection boats from Birdon America and a mid-life upgrade (MLU) of the existing bridge adapter pallets for the transport vehicles carried out by Hiab.
The IRB replaces older pontoon bridges of the Royal Netherlands Army. All NATO vehicles, including the heaviest main battle tanks, can use the bridge system. Another key advantage is full interoperability with the IRBs of allies, such as the United States, Germany, and Sweden. Using a coupling adapter, the IRB can also be operated together with the widely used M3 amphibious bridge and ferry system, which is in use in Germany, the United Kingdom, Latvia and Sweden, among others. Sweden has recently received its first M3 system of the latest generation.
