The United Kingdom’s Ministry of Defence has embarked on modernizing its engineering units’ bridging equipment by signing a contract with the Franco-German company KNDS. This acquisition is part of the “Tyro” project, which aims to replace the heavy BR90 bridge systems used by the Royal Engineers.
The new bridging system will be installed on German MAN HX2 trucks, a principal type of truck used in the British Army. KNDS’s new 46-meter-long modular DSB bridging equipment will enhance capabilities for use with the new British Challenger 3 tanks.
Valued at 150 million British pounds, the contract aims to improve the compatibility of the British Army’s bridge layers with other NATO allies. Besides the United Kingdom, the DSB modular bridge system based on the MAN HX2 10*10 truck is also used by Australia, Germany, the Philippines, and Turkey.
The use of a modular bridging system, like those developed by KNDS and other defense companies, holds significant strategic importance in the context of a potential conflict with Russia. In such scenarios, the mobility and flexibility of armed forces are crucial. Russia, with its vast territory, presents unique geographical challenges, particularly in terms of crossing rivers, streams, and other natural obstacles. Bridging systems allow military forces to maintain mobility and operational momentum in environments where civilian infrastructure is either absent or destroyed.