The Dutch Command Materiel and IT (COMMIT) took delivery of the first part of an Improved Ribbon Bridge (IRB) pontoon bridge system from General Dynamics European Land Systems – Bridge Systems in Hedel on November 25. A total of three systems were ordered, each of which consisting of several bridge pontoons, new bridge erection boats from Birdon America and a mid-life upgrade (MLU) of the existing bridge adapter pallets for the transport vehicles carried out by Hiab.
The IRB replaces older pontoon bridges of the Royal Netherlands Army. All NATO vehicles, including the heaviest main battle tanks, can use the bridge system. Another key advantage is full interoperability with the IRB of other user states, such as the USA, Germany, and Sweden. Using a coupling adapter, the IRB can also be operated together with the widespread M3 amphibious bridge and ferry system, which is in use in Germany, Great Britain, Latvia, and Sweden, among others. Sweden had recently received its first M3 system of the latest generation.
