GDELS Secures Contract from Netherlands Army for Improved Ribbon Bridge Systems.

On July 20, 2023, General Dynamics European Land Systems – Bridge Systems (GDELS) announced a substantial contract win from the Royal Netherlands Army for three Improved Ribbon Bridge (IRB) floating bridge systems. GDELS secured the deal after triumphing over two other European tenderers in a competitive bidding process.
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The Improved Ribbon Bridge (IRB) offers superior wet-gap crossing solutions, functioning either as a floating bridge or as a multi-bay raft. (Picture source GDELS)

The agreement was finalized at the close of June and confirmed on July 20, amid the celebrated "Vierdaagse" march in Nijmegen. A ceremony in Cuijk, a location where Dutch engineers traditionally erect a bridge across the Meuse River for the march, marked the validation of the contract.

The order encompasses bridge sections spanning over 225 meters in total length, along with support boats fabricated by Birdon USA. The new systems are slated to replace older pontoon bridges starting in 2025. The upgrade will equip the Dutch Engineer ("Genie") Corps with a capability that aligns with current military standards.

The universal design of the IRB systems ensures compatibility with all NATO vehicles. The use of standard connectors also enables full interoperability with pontoons from other nations, including the USA, Germany, and Sweden. This feature allows for an easy combination of bridge sections during operations, thereby enhancing the speed of movement and military mobility.

Notably, the IRB system can connect with the widely-used M3 amphibious bridge system through a coupling device. The M3 system is in use by Germany, the UK, Latvia, and Sweden, with Sweden recently placing an order for additional M3 units.

This acquisition of IRB systems will significantly boost the Dutch Army's gap-crossing abilities, an asset that has recently been recognized as critical for the movement and deployment of forces across the European theater independent of fixed civilian infrastructure. In addition to their military applications, the pontoon systems can be deployed for disaster relief, aligning with the Netherlands' national requirements.

The potential of the IRB was showcased during the joint civil-military "Vierdaagse" event, underscoring its value and versatility in both military and civilian contexts.

The Improved Ribbon Bridge (IRB) offers superior wet-gap crossing solutions, functioning either as a floating bridge or as a multi-bay raft. It is designed to support both tracked and wheeled combat and tactical vehicles with load capacities reaching up to MLC 80T/96W.

Featuring cutting-edge load bearing abilities, the IRB can accommodate all NATO Main Battle Tanks (MBTs) including the Leopard 2, M1A2 Abrams, and the Challenger 2, supporting loads up to MLC 80 (T) / 96 (W). The IRB can operate even in significant water currents, allowing various types of platforms to traverse a gap, whether as part of a bridge configuration or as a multi-bay ferry.

The IRB's versatility extends to its interoperability with other bridge solutions like the M3, Standard Ribbon Bridge (SRB), and Floating Support Bridge (FSB). Additionally, we offer coupling devices to guarantee compatibility under any circumstances. This flexibility positions the IRB as the perfect choice for coalitions that utilize different equipment types but need to operate in unison. If needed, a Bridge Erection Boat (BEB) can support the IRB, offering the user a highly efficient multipurpose boat.

Defense News July 2023