Sweden Orders 15 Bridge Erection Boats from Birdon to Modernize Combat Engineering Capabilities

Australia’s Birdon Group has secured a contract with the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) to supply 15 bridge erection boats (BEBs), marking a significant step in Sweden’s ongoing modernization of its combat engineering and riverine support capabilities. The deal underscores Sweden’s focus on enhancing mobility and logistics in contested environments, particularly in light of regional defense posture shifts following its NATO accession.

Contract Details and Strategic Context

Birdon announced on May 22, 2024, that it was awarded a contract by FMV to deliver 15 bridge erection boats for the Swedish Armed Forces. While the total contract value remains undisclosed, it includes not only the boats but also training packages and spare parts. Deliveries are scheduled between Q4 2025 and Q3 2027.

The BEBs will be used primarily by Sweden’s combat engineer units for deploying floating bridges and supporting amphibious operations across rivers and littoral zones. The acquisition is part of FMV’s broader initiative to replace aging bridging assets with modern systems capable of rapid deployment under threat conditions.

This procurement aligns with Sweden’s strategic emphasis on territorial defense and mobility in complex terrain—particularly given its geography of lakes, rivers, and archipelagos—as well as interoperability with NATO forces following its formal accession in March 2024.

Birdon’s Bridge Erection Boat Design

Birdon’s BEB platform is based on a proven aluminum monohull design optimized for maneuverability under load. Originally developed for the U.S. Army under the Joint Assault Bridge program (JAB), Birdon’s BEB has been tested extensively in high-tempo military bridging operations worldwide.

Key characteristics of the boat include:

• Length: Approximately 9 meters
• Propulsion: Twin waterjet system powered by diesel engines
• Crew: Two-person operation with optional third crew member station
• Lifting Capacity: Capable of maneuvering heavy pontoon segments or bridge bays

The waterjet propulsion enables shallow-water operation and precise station-keeping during bridge deployment. The hull is designed for robustness against debris impacts during riverine operations while maintaining low draft for access to narrow or shallow waterways.

Tactical Role in Swedish Engineer Units

The new BEBs will be integrated into Sweden’s engineer battalions tasked with tactical bridging missions using floating modular systems such as the Improved Ribbon Bridge (IRB) or similar NATO-standard equipment. These boats are essential components for maneuver support units responsible for enabling armored or mechanized forces to cross water obstacles rapidly under combat conditions.

The acquisition also supports Sweden’s amphibious regiments—such as the Amfibieregementet—by expanding their ability to conduct littoral logistics operations within the Baltic Sea region. With Finland now also a NATO member, joint exercises across shared riverine terrain may become more frequent, necessitating interoperable bridging solutions.

BEB Program Background and Global Footprint

Birdon originally developed its BEB variant through contracts with the U.S. Army’s Product Manager Bridging division under PEO CS&CSS. In that program, Birdon delivered over 400 BEBs starting in FY2015 as part of an effort to replace legacy MKII boats dating back to Vietnam-era inventories.

The company manufactures these vessels at its facilities in Denver, Colorado (USA), and Port Macquarie (Australia). It is likely that Swedish units will receive a version adapted to local environmental requirements such as cold-weather operation kits or NATO-standard communications integration.

Industrial Participation and Future Expansion Potential

No details have yet been released regarding offset agreements or industrial participation by Swedish firms; however, FMV typically requires some level of domestic involvement or technology transfer when procuring foreign systems. It remains possible that maintenance training or MRO services could be localized through partnerships with Swedish defense contractors such as Saab or MilDef.

This order may also open doors for additional European sales if other Nordic countries seek similar upgrades amid growing emphasis on infrastructure resilience and maneuver logistics under hybrid threat scenarios. Norway operates similar bridging systems but may consider fleet renewal within this decade.

Conclusion: Enhancing Riverine Mobility Under NATO Interoperability Goals

The procurement of Birdon’s bridge erection boats reflects Sweden’s continued investment in expeditionary engineering capabilities critical to both national defense and alliance interoperability. As terrain denial becomes central to modern warfare doctrine—especially across Europe’s northern flank—the ability to rapidly deploy mobile bridging assets will remain essential across both peacetime exercises and potential high-intensity conflict scenarios.