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
You may also like
More from Land Warfare
-
![Germany signs multi-billion-dollar deals for 6x6 CAVS and GDELS Eagle vehicles]()
Germany signs multi-billion-dollar deals for 6x6 CAVS and GDELS Eagle vehicles
The order is a further boost for the Common Armoured Vehicles System programme which has notched notable successes in the past 12 months. The first vehicle, made in Finland, will be delivered next year with local production expected to ramp up in 2027.
-
![Rheinmetall and KNDS tank tie-up narrows trans-European options]()
Rheinmetall and KNDS tank tie-up narrows trans-European options
The French and German governments signed an agreement in June 2018 to cooperate on the development of a new main battle tank under the Main Ground Combat System programme but the effort has struggled. This new agreement may damage it further.
-
![2025 land market review: British Army woes, European heavy armour and US MBT progress]()
2025 land market review: British Army woes, European heavy armour and US MBT progress
The last year has seen several major procurements in the land market. Shephard’s Dr Peter Magill reviews the main trends and themes in land procurement of 2025.
-
![Hungary set to begin using Hero 400 loitering munitions]()
Hungary set to begin using Hero 400 loitering munitions
Developed by Israel's Uvision and with systems being sold in the thousands to multiple European NATO countries and the US, the Hero family of loitering systems is also in production in the US and Italy, the latter through Rheinmetall.
-
![Croatia orders Leopards and CAESAR howitzers as Lithuania orders more CAESARs]()
Croatia orders Leopards and CAESAR howitzers as Lithuania orders more CAESARs
The Leopard is becoming the tank of choice in central and eastern Europe as Croatia joins Lithuania, the Czech Republic and Hungary in ordering the platform. Lithuania and Croatia have also signed for CAESAR howitzers.
-
![Light Reconnaissance Strike – enabling a vital mission set (Studio)]()
Light Reconnaissance Strike – enabling a vital mission set (Studio)
A new system-of-systems concept will unlock digital integration of sensors and weapons for Light Forces, allowing them to shape the battlefield environment on their own terms and upgrade legacy platforms.
