The United Kingdom and Germany have signed a joint contract worth US$ 522 million to acquire a new generation of M3 amphibious bridge and ferry systems, manufactured by General Dynamics European Land Systems (GDELS).
The agreement, facilitated by the Organisation for Joint Armament Cooperation (OCCAR), is part of the “Wide Wet Gap Crossing” program, which aims to modernize equipment used since the late 1990s.
The new systems, based on the M3S model developed for Sweden, promise greater reliability, safety, and interoperability with NATO’s current floating bridges. The equipment can be deployed in just a few minutes to transport tanks and heavy vehicles across rivers, supporting both military operations and relief missions. According to the manufacturer, the upgrade is also expected to reduce maintenance costs and allow joint use between British and German fleets.
According to GDELS executives, production will be expanded at its Kaiserslautern facility in Germany to meet high demand. The M3 system, which has been in operation for decades in NATO countries, will continue to provide fast and efficient mobility across various types of terrain, from frozen regions to tropical areas.
Source: UK Defence Journal | Photo: X @DefenceES | This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team
