Industrial-technology group CSG has signed several major contracts in recent months for the supply of bridge laying vehicles to a total of five customers in Europe, the Middle East and Southeast Asia. The contracts cover dozens of bridge laying vehicles worth over USD 50 million in total. The orders confirm growing global demand for specialised engineering vehicles and CSG’s ability to provide comprehensive solutions ensuring the mobility of military units and equipment in challenging conditions.

The new contracts cover AM-70 and AM-50 series bridge laying vehicles, which enable military units to rapidly cross watercourses, trenches and other natural or man-made obstacles. Deliveries to customers will be handled within CSG by Excalibur Army, a company specialising in the development, production and modernisation of land-based military equipment.

“The new contracts confirm that there is sustained strong demand for our engineering and support vehicles in international markets. Customers particularly value the combination of high off-road mobility, rapid deployment and the ability to create longer crossings depending on the specific operational situation. Contracts with customers in Europe, the Middle East and Southeast Asia also demonstrate that our solutions can perform effectively across a wide range of climatic and operating conditions,” says Richard Kuběna, Sales Director of the CSG Defence Systems division.

A bridge deployed within minutes
The AM-70 EX Bridge Laying Vehicle is designed to provide the necessary mobility to military units and equipment through rapid deployment over dry and wet gaps. Its three-person crew can deploy a 13.5-metre bridge section within minutes. Individual bridge sections can subsequently be connected to span significantly wider gaps.

Up to eight bridge sections can be connected, spanning gaps of up to 106 metres, with supports reaching into trenches as deep as six metres. This modularity allows the system to be adapted to specific conditions and the size of the obstacle that military units need to cross.

One of the key features of both systems is their high load-carrying capacity. The AM-50 EX has an MLC 50 load classification, while the AM-70 EX has an MLC 70 load classification according to STANAG 2021, enabling the movement of heavy military equipment. Both bridge laying vehicles use a TATRA 8×8 chassis, providing high mobility and allowing them to operate in rough and difficult terrain conditions. The vehicles have a top speed of 90 km/h.

The system is also designed with interoperability with previous generations of bridge laying vehicles in mind. Depending on customer requirements, the cabin can be optionally protected with armour up to Level 2 according to STANAG 4569.

Specialised vehicles as part of CSG’s portfolio
Bridge laying vehicles form part of CSG’s broader portfolio of land systems. Through its companies, the group offers highly mobile logistics and specialised vehicles alongside artillery and armoured systems.

The combination of specialised superstructures and proven chassis makes it possible to develop solutions designed for operation in demanding climatic and terrain conditions. The new bridge laying vehicle contracts further expand the group’s international order book in the engineering and support vehicle segment and confirm the export potential of this portfolio.