Danish Army Receives New German-made Leguan 2 Tracked Armoured Bridge Layer Vehicles.

According to information published by the Danish Ministry of Defense Acquisition and Logistics Organisation (DALO) on January 30, 2025, the Danish Army Engineer Regiment has officially received new German-made Leguan 2 tracked armored bridge layer vehicles manufactured by KNDS-Germany. This delivery, marking a significant enhancement to Danish army combat engineering capabilities, was facilitated by the Danish Ministry of Defense's Materiel and Procurement Agency (FMI) and is part of an ongoing effort to modernize the Norwegian military's mobility and logistics assets. Supplied by KNDS-Germany (formerly Krauss-Maffei Wegmann KMW), the new engineer vehicles will provide the Danish Army with state-of-the-art bridge-laying technology, ensuring rapid deployment of tactical bridges in various operational environments.
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Danish Army receives seven new Leguan 2 armored bridge layer vehicles, built on the Leopard 2 platform, featuring 14m and 26m bridges for rapid deployment and enhanced operational flexibility. (Picture source: Danish MoD)

The Leguan 2 engineer vehicles are built by the German Defense Company KNDS based on the combat-proven Leopard 2 main battle tank (MBT), combining the Leopard 2’s legendary battlefield mobility with specialized bridge-laying capabilities. This integration provides significant operational advantages, particularly in terms of maintenance, logistics, and crew training, as the Norwegian Army already operates Leopard 2 tanks, which streamlines support functions and enhances overall operational readiness.

Each Leguan 2 vehicle is equipped with two sets of bridges, one measuring 14 meters and the other 26 meters in length. Both bridge sets comply with the strict MLC 80 (Military Load Classification) load-bearing requirements, ensuring they can support the movement of heavy vehicles, including tanks and armored personnel carriers. This compliance, alongside the potential for future bridge length expansions, offers exceptional flexibility and ensures the Leguan 2 can adapt to a wide range of operational needs. The vehicles also come with a semi-trailer for transporting the bridges, providing the Norwegian forces with greater flexibility for rapid redeployment.

The Leguan 2 is further enhanced by a modern integrated measurement system that automatically calculates the remaining load capacity after each crossing. This system ensures precise load management, which is critical for preventing overload and maximizing the lifespan of the deployed bridge. The vehicle’s bridge-laying capabilities are quick and efficient, ensuring that the Norwegian Army can maintain mobility across various types of terrain, even under fire or in difficult weather conditions.

In terms of protection, the Leguan 2 is equipped with a modern, high-performance armor system capable of withstanding small arms fire and shrapnel, providing excellent protection for the vehicle and crew during operations in high-threat environments. The vehicle also includes a range of additional features, such as an integrated cooling system, an auxiliary power generator, and advanced all-around vision gear, ensuring both endurance and operational effectiveness in the most demanding conditions.

The Leguan 2 engineer vehicles will be supported by comprehensive training, which includes Table Top Trainers — computer-based simulators designed to help crews practice bridge-laying procedures and improve their readiness for real-world missions. Additionally, the Danish Army will benefit from a full support package, which includes spare parts, specialized tools, and maintenance services to ensure that the vehicles remain operational over the long term.

One of the most significant strategic advantages of the Leguan 2 engineer combat vehicle is its integration into a growing international community of users. As of 2023, the Leguan 2 is in service with the armed forces of nine nations, and its close integration with the Leopard 2 MBT platform opens up possibilities for collaborative supply concepts, shared development projects, and continuous upgrades. Through the Leo User Club, nations using the Leopard 2 platform can share insights, engage in joint training programs, and plan future modifications, ensuring that both the Leguan 2 and Leopard 2 platforms remain effective in future military operations.

With these advanced bridge-laying vehicles now in service, the Danish Army is significantly enhancing its engineering capabilities. The Leguan 2 will play a critical role in ensuring the rapid mobility of Norwegian forces, even in the most challenging terrain. It is a vital asset for maintaining operational flexibility and ensuring that Danish forces remain fully capable of responding to any future conflict or peacekeeping mission with the necessary infrastructure to cross obstacles quickly and effectively.