Birdon is supplying three next-generation Bridge Erection Boats (BEBs) to the Australian Army, marking the evolution of a capability whose origins lie in an Australian-designed program developed for Army more than two decades ago. The delivery represents a significant milestone in the evolution of a capability that began with Birdon’s Bridge Erection Propulsion Boat (BEPB) program for the Australian Army in 2003 and has since been adopted by military forces in the United States, Brazil and Europe. Birdon’s original BEPB program delivered 24 vessels to the Australian Army and established the foundation for a family of military bridging boats that would ultimately support major international defence programs. The success of the Australian program enabled Birdon to expand into global markets, including the United States, where the company has since manufactured over 540 bridge erection boats and associated systems for military customers and allied nations. The three vessels being supplied to Army have been manufactured at Birdon’s BEB manufacturing facility and represent the latest evolution of a platform that has benefited from years of operational experience, engineering refinement and continuous product development across multiple military customers and operating environments.
Birdon Chief Executive Officer Jamie Bruce said,“The delivery demonstrates the enduring value that can be created when Australian industry is entrusted to develop and support sovereign defence capability. The origins of this capability lie in Australia, where Birdon developed and delivered a solution to meet the Australian Army’s operational bridging requirements. Over time, that capability has evolved through successive international programs, creating export opportunities, supporting manufacturing growth and strengthening our engineering expertise across Australia and the United States. It is particularly rewarding to see the latest generation of that capability returning to Australia to support Army’s future needs. The program demonstrates how investment in Australian-owned industry can deliver benefits extending far beyond a single acquisition project. The original Australian Army program delivered much more than a fleet of vessels. It enabled the development of a specialist capability that has since been exported internationally, expanded Birdon’s global footprint and strengthened our ability to support defence customers across allied nations. This is a strong example of how Australian defence programs can generate lasting industrial capability, export success and ongoing investment in Australian skills and expertise.”
The latest vessels incorporate enhancements arising from years of operational feedback and design evolution, reflecting lessons learned from supporting military bridging operations across a range of environments and user requirements. The delivery also builds on Birdon’s longstanding relationship with the Australian Army. In addition to designing and constructing the original BEPB fleet, Birdon continues to provide in-service support to Army’s bridge erection vessel capability, including maintenance, capability upgrades, obsolescence management, and spares provisioning. This combination of design, manufacturing and through-life support experience provides Birdon with a unique understanding of the operational and sustainment requirements associated with military bridging capability. The project further reinforces Birdon’s position as an Australian-owned defence contractor delivering vessel design, manufacturing, sustainment and specialist maritime solutions across Australia, the United States and allied defence markets. The company are proud to continue supporting the Australian Army with a capability that reflects Australian innovation, sovereign expertise and the strength of our global defence business.
Established in 1977 and headquartered in Port Macquarie, New South Wales, Birdon Group operates as a global maritime engineering and defense services prime specializing in whole-of-life asset lifecycle management, tactical watercraft fabrication, and military propulsion systems. Since securing its foundational defense contract for the Australian Army’s LCM8 landing craft refit in 1992, the 100% Australian-owned firm has systematically expanded its industrial footprint across the United States, Europe, and Asia—a growth vector accelerated by its 2012 acquisition of propulsion specialist NAMJet. Birdon’s strategic positioning within the international defense market is anchored by high-profile procurement programs, including the supply of Bridge Erection Propulsion Boats (BEPBs), a landmark 2022 contract to design and construct 27 Waterways Commerce Cutters (WCC) for the US Coast Guard, and the 2025 development of the Amphibious Vehicle – Light (AV-L) for the Australian Army.
