Sweden orders more M3 bridges
M3 bridges are in service with several NATO countries. (Image: GDELS)
The M3 is a self-propelled amphibious bridging vehicle developed from 1982-92 to meet the requirements of the British and German armies.
Sweden has ordered a third batch of M3 amphibious bridge and ferry systems from General Dynamics European Land Systems–Bridge Systems.
The order for nine additional bridges was placed by the Swedish procurement agency Försvarets Materielverk (FMV) and announced on 14 March is part of a SEK400 million (US$39 million) deal signed in 2022.
The M3 can be used as a floating bridge or ferry to carry large vehicles including main battle tanks to negotiate wide wet gaps and is ready for use within minutes.
The first M3 under the contract is expected in the second-half of 2024 with up to 25 bridges planned for delivery between 2025 and 2027.
Shephard Defence Insight noted that 110 platforms have been ordered by South Korea and, as well as Sweden, systems are in service with other countries including Germany, Indonesia, Latvia, Singapore, Taiwan and UK.
Multiple M3s can be joined by ramps, four of which are carried on each vehicle, to form a bridge. A 100m water gap can be bridged by eight M3s joined in 15min by 24 soldiers.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Land Warfare
-
![Czech government developing a plan for air defence beyond 2030 alongside NATO integration]()
Czech government developing a plan for air defence beyond 2030 alongside NATO integration
The Czech Armed Forces is set to receive four Israeli-made SPYDER long-range missile defence systems, the first of which was delivered earlier this year. They will be a key part of the country’s multilayered air defence system.
-
![Bidders for Australia’s long-range fires requirement push development of offerings]()
Bidders for Australia’s long-range fires requirement push development of offerings
Lockheed Martin is competing against a joint Kongsberg and Thales team to meet Australia’s requirement for a land-based, long-range fires system to protect Australia’s northern approaches. Both bidders have announced recent developments on associated missiles.
-
![How AI and robotics drive innovation in land-based defence]()
How AI and robotics drive innovation in land-based defence
The future on the frontlines: automation and AI isn’t just about improving efficiency or driving down labour cost - for Pearson Engineering it’s everything.
-
![How do land and air defense forces defend against complex threats?]()
How do land and air defense forces defend against complex threats?
Learn how RTX systems defend against complex attacks from adversaries including hostile drones, and multi-range missiles.
-
![Hundreds of Boxers with Puma turrets ordered for Dutch and German forces]()
Hundreds of Boxers with Puma turrets ordered for Dutch and German forces
The order is for 270 vehicles, 222 of which are infantry fighting vehicles (IFVs) known as Schakal (Jackal), which integrates the advanced Puma IFV RCT30 turret onto the Boxer chassis.
-
![AUSA 2025: Hanwha Aerospace reveals new wheeled artillery system]()
AUSA 2025: Hanwha Aerospace reveals new wheeled artillery system
The aerospace company showed a model of its new mobile howitzer at AUSA in Washington, where a representative told Shephard more about its design.
