In a remarkable feat of military engineering, the Indian Army today significantly upgraded its ability to leap over obstacles, thanks to the induction of a 46-meter Modular Bridge. This engineering marvel, a brainchild of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and crafted by Larsen & Toubro (L&T), made its grand debut at the Manekshaw Centre in New Delhi. The ceremony, graced by Army Chief General Manoj Pande, marked a landmark moment for the army’s bridging capabilities.
The event was a confluence of military and technological minds, with senior figures from the Indian Army, DRDO, and Ministry of Defence witnessing this leap into a new era of mechanized mobility. The army plans to roll out a fleet of 41 of these bridge sets over the next four years, amounting to a whopping ₹2,585 Crores investment.
This mechanically launched, single-span, 46-meter-long assault bridge is the new superhero in the army’s arsenal, designed to effortlessly conquer canals and ditches. Its mobility, ruggedness, and swift deployment align perfectly with the demands of rapid mechanized operations.
Each Modular Bridge set is an ensemble of seven 8×8 Heavy Mobility Vehicles and two 10×10 launcher vehicles, capable of spanning various obstacles with impressive speed and versatility. This high-tech equipment is engineered to match the pace of both wheeled and tracked mechanized forces, showcasing India’s advanced military capabilities.
These modular bridges are set to replace the manually launched Medium Girder Bridges (MGB), bringing a host of advantages like increased span, reduced construction time, and mechanical prowess in launching and retrieval.
The addition of these bridges not only boosts the Indian Army’s operational prowess but also shines a light on India’s burgeoning capabilities in defence technology and production. This move is a testament to the nation’s commitment to ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’, demonstrating self-reliance in defence manufacturing and marking India’s escalating stature in the global defence technology arena.
