Close Support Bridging System
Project Type
Project New/Replace
Objective
This project will deliver a common family of bridges optimized for short support (up to 14 m) and medium support (up to 26 m) that can be employed in assault and tactical roles to support mechanized forces. The Assault Bridge Launcher (ABL) chassis will be based on the Leopard 2 and the Tactical Bridge Launcher (TBL) will be based on a wheeled platform in-service with Canada or NATO allies. Both chassis are currently in service with the NATO and within the CA this would ensure commonality of the vehicle fleet but more importantly a proven track record in meeting the operational conditions. This will reduce the need for reliability, availability, maintainability, and durability (RAMD) testing on respective chassis.
Requirements
The Assault and Tactical Bridge Systems are comprised of two sub-systems: The chassis for carrying and launching the bridge, and the tactical bridge (or bridges) themselves for crossing a gap and supporting vehicle traffic. The bridges used on each platform must be the same. The launching system must be the same or similar so that bridges can be transported, launched, and recovered by either vehicle. The project must also deliver reload trailers to carry additional ready-to-use bridges beyond what are carried on the launch vehicles themselves.
Funding Range
$500 million to $1 billion
Anticipated Timeline (Fiscal Year)
- Options Analysis Phase
- In Progress
- Start Definition
- 2026/2027
- Start Implementation
- 2028/2029
- Initial Delivery
- 2031/2032
- Final Delivery
- 2033/2034
Defence Capability Areas
Defence Capability Investment Areas
- Logistics Vehicles
- Maintenance and Repair Equipment
- Mobility Enhancing Systems
- POL Systems
- Combat Support Vehicles
- Commercial Pattern Vehicles
- Ground Vehicle Integration
- In Service Support
- Vehicle Parts and Components
- Simulation Software
- Target Services
Key Industrial Capabilities
- Armour
- Ground Vehicle Solutions
- In Service Support
- Remotely Piloted Systems and Autonomous Technologies
Contact Us
Do you have any questions or comments about the Defence Capabilities Blueprint? The DCB is managed by the Directorate of Capability Integration at National Defence. To help us connect you with the appropriate subject matter or technical expert, please select whether your query is related to the DCB in general, is related to a project, or if you require technical support. If you request follow up, we will endeavour to acknowledge your request within 7 working days.
Page details
- Date modified: