UK-based WFEL announced on 7 September that it has signed a contract with the Irish Defence Forces (IDF) to deliver an undisclosed number of 31m double-storey Medium Girder Bridging (MGB) systems.
The IDF Corps of Engineers has used WFEL’s MGB system since the late 1970s and will take delivery of the new systems.
The MGM systems have been used on several of the Irish Army’s deployments on United Nations operations.
Included in the contract is a full support and training package and the IDF can expect delivery of their new bridging assets by the end of 2023.
Colonel Damian McEvoy, Director of Engineering for the Irish Defence Forces, said:
“As long-time users of the Medium Girder Bridge system, we are already familiar with its many benefits and, by updating our bridging assets with the latest version of the MGB, we will continue to be equipped with the most versatile, modular bridging system available, allowing our Engineering Division to rapidly react to situations both on and off the battlefield.”
“Of particular importance to us is the lightweight nature of the MGB system, not only for reducing transportation weight, but to enable the bridge components to be handled by our troops without the need for mechanical aids”.
Tom Winney, Business Development Director at WFEL, said:
“We are delighted to be working closely with the Irish Defence Force once again and refreshing their military bridging stocks with the latest MGB systems, to provide vital engineer capabilities.”
“We are seeing increased interest in our MGB bridging systems worldwide, due to their modular and versatile nature, as forces worldwide recognise the need for rapid gap-crossing capability to ensure unrestricted manoeuvre for vehicles of up to 70 tonnes.”
