Germany, UK jointly procure M3 bridging systems
The new M3s will replace older versions operated by German-UK PionierbrĆ¼ckenbataillon 130. (GDELS)
The German and UK procurement agencies have signed a contract with the Organisation for Joint Armament Cooperation (OCCAR) for the joint procurement of M3 bridging systems, the UK Defence Equipment & Support (DE&S) organisation and General Dynamics European Land Systems (GDELS)-Bridge Systems announced on 30 October.
In its press release later the same day, GDELS valued the contract at EUR450 million (USD518.8 million). DE&S said on its website on 30 October that the United Kingdom was acquiring 36 M3s worth GBP200 million.
GDELS said the two countries would acquire the newest generation of M3 amphibious bridging and ferry capabilities based on Sweden's M3S under the binational Wide Wet Gap Crossing programme, including new features and functionalities, improved human-machine interface, increased reliability and system safety, and optimised through-life support costs. In addition, the new German and UK M3 fleets will be interoperable and interchangeable with other users' M3 systems, and using a coupling adaptor, with the steel ribbon bridge (SRB), floating support bridge (FSB), and improved ribbon bridge (IRB) family, according to GDELS.
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