GDELS to deliver additional M3 systems to Sweden - EDR Magazine

Kaiserslautern, September 5, 2024 – General Dynamics European Land Systems–Bridge Systems has received an order for a fourth batch of M3 amphibious bridge and ferry systems for the Swedish Armed Forces. A respective contract with the procurement agency Försvarets Materielverk (FMV) was signed yesterday.

With the new order, Sweden is further strengthening its wet gap crossing capabilities, its M3 fleet alone now being able to bridge 400 meters of obstacles. Furthermore, the Swedish Armed Forces operate the IRB (Improved Ribbon Bridge) pontoon system and coupling adapters for the combined operation of both bridge types. This also enables multinational missions with partners such as the USA, the UK, 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.

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 to negotiate wide wet gaps. The all-terrain M3 is ready for use within minutes – a vital factor on today’s transparent battlefield. The system has proven itself in use under a wide range of climatic and topographical conditions, from tropics to arctic.

File photo courtesy GDELS