BIRDON has been tasked with supplying bridge erection boats (BEBs) to the Swedish army.
The NSW-based boat-builder, which has headquarters in both Port Macquarie and Colorado, said the BEBs would provide wet gap crossing capability during military operations and support disaster relief in events such as floods.
Civilian agencies in Europe currently do not have the capability to respond quickly to failures of bridges, according to Birdon. The group anticipates its BEBs will help fill the gap and meet the demands of Sweden’s extreme conditions such as fast-flowing, shallow rivers and extreme cold.
Birdon head of bridging and propulsion Martyn Bowden said the group was the only bidder to meet or exceed all technical requirements with a product suited to the unique environments and capable of delivering within a short timeframe – that is, the beginning of next year.
“Due to Birdon’s extensive BEB experience, streamlined production line, and existing supply chain arrangements, we’re able to build and deliver the Swedish Armed Forces initial order within just five months,” Mr Bowden said.
“The maturity of Birdon’s BEB within NATO means we can quickly and easily adapt our product to meet the requirements of the Swedish Armed Forces, including a fully Integrated Logistics Support package of technical documentation and training programs.”
Birdon has a track record of designing and manufacturing BEBs for the Australian, US, Brazilian and Netherlands armies.
Birdon said the Swedish BEB will be a variant of the latest model currently in production by Birdon for the Royal Netherlands Army, with custom modifications ensuring the BEBs meet in-country safety and legislation requirements.
It will feature a dual electric winch for faster coupling, increased operator efficiency, and safer operations, while a reinforced ice bow enables further extreme cold weather capability.
A new quick launch system allows for rapid deployment, and high operational availability is achieved through reduced maintenance and downtime upgrades.
Birdon has partnered with Rindövarvet AB in Sweden for in-country service and support
The first BEBs are slated for delivery in February 2025.
