The South Korean Army is looking to deploy several amphibious bridging vehicles by 2027 to improve its operational capabilities across various water obstacles.
According to the country’s arms procurement agency, a localized version of the European M3 Amphibious Rig will be developed and produced by Hanwha Defense in partnership with the Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA).
With a budget of 500 billion won ($426.5 million), the defense company will work closely with over 30 local firms to produce at least 90 percent of the vehicle’s components.
“The M3 variant requires a fewer number of personnel for its management and no time for preparations,” a DAPA official told Yonhap News Agency. “Its increased level of mobility and maneuverability, compared to the ribbon bridge system currently employed by the Army, is expected to help improve our military’s operational capabilities.”
Local production of about 100 M3 vehicles is expected to begin in 2023.
About the M3 Amphibious Rig
Developed by General Dynamics European Land Systems, the M3 Amphibious Rig is considered one of the world’s most modern amphibious bridge and ferry systems due to its loading capacity, assembly time, and in-water maneuverability.
When joined together, the bridge created by these self-propelled vehicles can carry heavy main battle tanks such as the K1 or K2. Moreover, it only takes 30 minutes for eight M3 units and 24 soldiers to build a 100-meter bridge.
The vehicle is also equipped with a 400-horsepower diesel engine, allowing it to travel up to 80 kilometers (49 miles) per hour on land and 14 kilometers (8 miles) per hour on water.
Upon completion of the multimillion-dollar project, South Korea will be the sixth country in the world to operate the M3, together with Germany, the United Kingdom, Taiwan, Singapore, and Indonesia.