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Belgium Signs €80M Contract with KNDS for LEGUAN Bridge Laying Systems.
Belgium finalized a contract with KNDS Deutschland to acquire LEGUAN bridge-laying systems for its military engineers. The move strengthens Belgium’s ability to maneuver heavy forces in contested environments where damaged or missing infrastructure can slow operations.
On January 20, 2026, Belgium formalized a major step in reinforcing its military engineering capabilities by signing a contract with KNDS Deutschland for the acquisition of LEGUAN bridge-laying systems. The decision reflects Belgium’s effort to strengthen battlefield mobility at a time when European armed forces are reassessing their ability to maneuver heavy units under high-intensity conditions and in environments marked by infrastructure degradation. The agreement underlines the renewed operational relevance of combat engineering assets capable of supporting armored forces at short notice. By selecting a proven and widely deployed bridging solution, Belgium affirms its commitment to interoperability, readiness, and collective defense requirements within allied frameworks.
Belgium has signed a contract with KNDS Deutschland to acquire LEGUAN bridge-laying systems, strengthening Belgium’s ability to rapidly move armored forces across damaged or missing infrastructure during high-intensity operations (Picture Source: KNDS)
The contract, signed between KNDS Deutschland and the Belgian procurement agency OCASC, covers the delivery of eight LEGUAN bridge layers mounted on a 10x10 wheeled chassis, accompanied by 17 LEGUAN bridges with a length of 26 meters. The overall package also includes dedicated logistics support and special tools, ensuring long-term sustainment and operational availability. Valued at approximately EUR 80 million, the program was awarded to KNDS following a competitive selection process against several international contenders. At this stage, the official statement does not disclose the exact truck platform chosen for the 10x10 configuration, and no images of the Belgian vehicles have been released.
The LEGUAN bridge-laying system is designed to provide rapid and reliable gap-crossing capability for modern armed forces. According to KNDS, the system can automatically deploy and retrieve either a 26-meter bridge or two 14-meter bridges, both day and night, while the crew remains inside a protected cabin. These bridges are rated for Military Load Classes MLC 80 and MLC 100, enabling them to support the passage of heavy tracked and wheeled vehicles, including main battle tanks. Automation reduces crew exposure and allows engineer units to restore mobility in environments where speed and protection are critical.
LEGUAN is not a new or experimental solution, but a mature system with extensive operational history. KNDS states that LEGUAN bridge layers mounted on both tracked and wheeled platforms are already in service or under procurement by 22 armies worldwide. This broad adoption has made LEGUAN a reference system within NATO and partner forces, facilitating interoperability during multinational operations. The selection by Belgium further consolidates this position, aligning the Belgian Army with a family of engineering systems already integrated across numerous allied force structures.
From a tactical standpoint, the acquisition enhances Belgium’s ability to support maneuver forces across rivers, canals, destroyed bridges, and anti-tank obstacles without relying on fixed infrastructure. Rapid bridge deployment under armor reduces vulnerability to enemy fire and surveillance while maintaining operational tempo. Strategically, the LEGUAN bridge layers contribute to wider NATO objectives by reinforcing military mobility across Europe, particularly along reinforcement routes linking Western European logistics hubs to the alliance’s eastern flank. In a geopolitical environment where freedom of movement is central to deterrence and collective defense, such capabilities are increasingly viewed as decisive enablers rather than niche assets.
By investing in LEGUAN bridge layers on a wheeled 10x10 platform, Belgium reinforces a critical pillar of modern land operations: the ability to move heavy forces when and where required, even in degraded infrastructure conditions. This program strengthens national engineering capabilities while supporting allied interoperability and readiness, underscoring the strategic value of combat bridging systems in contemporary and future European security scenarios.
Written by Teoman S. Nicanci – Defense Analyst, Army Recognition Group
Teoman S. Nicanci holds degrees in Political Science, Comparative and International Politics, and International Relations and Diplomacy from leading Belgian universities, with research focused on Russian strategic behavior, defense technology, and modern warfare. He is a defense analyst at Army Recognition, specializing in the global defense industry, military armament, and emerging defense technologies.