WATCH: Indian Army gets 12 new Short Span Bridging systems

The Indian Army on Friday received the first batch of 12 indigenously developed 10 metre Short Span Bridging systems from L&T Limited. 

Speaking on the occasion, Army Chief Gen MM Naravane said, "With the induction of these bridges, our capabilities will further be enhanced. We had 5-meter bridges and 15-bridges but the lack of a 10-meter bridge was always felt. The capabilities of the mechanised formations, which are mostly deployed on the western fronts, would be enhanced."

The bridge is indigenously designed and developed and is the result of close coordination between the Corps of Engineers and the DRDO laboratory at Pune R&DE (Engineers).  The bridge will meet the important requirement of providing mobility to the Indian Army by the speedy establishment of bridges.  

DRDO Chairman G Sateesh Reddy said, "We had developed this system. Trials are underway at Kolar. Bharat Electronics has been given the technology transfer. Discussions are underway regarding further inputs from armed forces. Many private companies have also come, they're also being given technology transfer."

The bridges have the capacity to carry tanks up to 70 tonnes. The Army is expected to get 30 more bridges by August end.