Hanwha Aerospace's KM3 Rigs showcase full potential in Ribbon Bridge System Assembly.

In a video released by Hanwha Aerospace on December 11, 2023, South Korea masterfully implemented its latest KM3 Amphibious Rigs, demonstrating how eight of these cutting-edge units were assembled with Ribbon Bridge Systems to create a spectacular 100-meter floating bridge. This achievement, carried out by the skilled sappers of the 1st Engineering Brigade of the Republic of Korea Army, highlights the country's significant advances in military technology.
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Hanwha KM3 Amphibious Rigs, demonstrating how eight of these cutting-edge units were assembled with Ribbon Bridge Systems to create a spectacular 100-meter floating bridge. (Picture source: Hanwha Aerospace )

On September 30, 2021, under the Korean Amphibious Bridging Vehicle (KABV) program, a joint initiative between General Dynamics European Land Systems (GDELS) and Hanwha Defense was announced. This collaboration, commissioned by the Republic of Korea's Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA), focused on developing the KM3 Amphibious Rig. This initiative, featuring a specialized adaptation of the GDELS M3 Amphibious Bridge and Ferry System, aims to produce 110 amphibious bridging vehicles, each tailored to meet the specific needs of the Korean military.

The KM3, also known as M3K in its localized form, was chosen through a competitive selection process. Known for its rapid deployment and versatility, the M3 is the fastest and most capable amphibious bridge and ferry system in the world. It excels in terms of load capacity, assembly time, and maneuverability, both on water and land. The Republic of Korea now owns more than 1.3 km of bridge length, operating the world's largest M3 fleet, previously adopted by the armies of Germany, the United Kingdom, Taiwan, Singapore, and Indonesia.

Indeed, the M3 is a versatile vehicle, capable of self-deployment on roads as a 4x4 wheeled vehicle, reaching speeds of up to 70 km/h. For its amphibious operations, it uses two large aluminum pontoons that are deployed along the vehicle's hull. The crew operates these pontoons from control points located on top of the hull, exiting the vehicle cabin for this purpose. In aquatic environments, the M3 navigates using 2 fully traversable pump jets, allowing it to move at speeds of up to 10 km/h.

The design of the M3 also facilitates the formation of bridges over water obstacles by connecting multiple units with long ramps, four of which are carried on each vehicle. This configuration allows eight M3 Rigs to span a 100-meter water gap, providing a stable passage for vehicles, including the heaviest main battle tanks, such as the Leopard 2A6 and Challenger 2, which weigh over 60 tons. In a different setup, just two of these Rigs can be linked to form a ferry, offering the capability to transport similar loads across wider water expanses.

Dr. Thomas Kauffmann, Vice President of International Business and Services at GDELS, expressed delight that South Korea is the fourth Asian country to adopt the M3 system. He emphasized the M3's unique bridging capabilities and its critical role in ensuring the interoperability and mobility of modern armies.

This development marks a significant milestone in South Korea's military infrastructure, enhancing its operational capabilities and readiness for various tactical scenarios. The successful deployment of the KM3 rigs underscores the country's commitment to maintaining a cutting-edge defense posture in an increasingly complex global security landscape.