Update: Australian Army procures bridge erection boats

Birdon is supplying the Australian Army with three next-generation Bridge Erection Boats, with delivery announced as imminent after manufacture at the company’s dedicated facility. The craft manoeuvre floating bridge sections and support military engineers during wet-gap crossings, extending an earlier programme under which Birdon delivered 24 Bridge Erection Propulsion Boats beginning in 2003. Birdon has continued maintaining that fleet and says the new boats incorporate design evolution and feedback from operational users. The Army and company have not released the contract value, detailed technical changes, or a precise delivery schedule for the three vessels.