General Dynamics European Land Systems in Hedel delivered the package. Credit: Wouter Kingma/MoD Netherlands/General Dynamics European Land Systems.

General Dynamics European Land Systems – Bridge Systems has handed over the first segment of an Improved Ribbon Bridge (IRB) pontoon bridge system to the Dutch Command Materiel and IT (COMMIT) in Hedel.  

The IRB system, which replaces older pontoon bridges of the Royal Netherlands Army, is designed for full interoperability with other NATO user states such as the US, Germany, and Sweden. 

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The delivery is part of an order for three IRB systems, each comprising several bridge pontoons, new bridge erection boats from Birdon America, and a mid-life upgrade of existing bridge adapter pallets by Hiab.  

The IRB system allows all NATO vehicles, including the heaviest main battle tanks, to use the bridge, enhancing operational capabilities. 

It has the ability to be coupled with the M3 amphibious bridge and ferry system, used in countries such as Germany, Great Britain, Latvia, and Sweden.  

This coupling capability extends its application in various military operations, offering flexibility in crossing water bodies. 

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The IRB provides wet-gap crossing capabilities, functioning as a floating bridge or a multi-bay raft for tracked and wheeled combat and tactical vehicles.  

It supports loads up to MLC 80T/96W, making it suitable for all NATO main battle tanks such as the Leopard 2, M1A2 Abrams, and Challenger 2.  

Since 2003, the IRB has been used in combat operations by the US Army and Marine Corps.  

It maintains full interoperability with the legacy Standard Ribbon Bridge (SRB) and Floating Support Bridge (FSB). 

In September 2024, Sweden’s Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) ordered nine additional M3 amphibious bridging systems from General Dynamics European Land Systems.  

Sweden received its first M3 system of the latest generation in November, enabling heavy mechanised units to ferry platforms, including tanks, across water bodies.