Bridging The Gap: Sweden Buys New Crossings Kit

Sweden's armed forces are splashing out just over €40 million on nine new amphibious bridge and ferry systems from General Dynamics European Land Systems (GDELS).

The Swedish defence procurement agency (FMV) has confirmed it has ordered a fourth batch of the M3 Amfbro 400 units. As per a press statement on the GDELS website, it means the nation's fleet alone will be able to bridge wet-gap crossings spanning 400 meters.

And using the IRB (Improved Ribbon Bridge) pontoon system and coupling adapters, it can span longer distances via multinational missions with partners such as America, the U.K., Germany, the Netherlands, and Latvia, all of whom use the same systems.

According to an FMV statement the value of the contract for the nine systems and associated spares comes to approximately SEK 470,000,000, or about €41 million. The first units from the initial order, placed in 2022, are scheduled to be delivered to FMV at the end of this year. 

It noted: "The amphibious bridge and ferry system M3 is the fastest available means for wet-gap crossing within NATO. It can be used as a floating bridge or ferry to carry even the heaviest main battle tanks."

It added the M3 units were proven technology that can be deployed "within minutes."

• You can read more details on the FMV website and GDELS website