General Dynamics European Land Systems (GDELS) delivered the first M3 amphibious bridge and ferry system to the Norwegian Defence Materiel Agency today. This initial delivery took place less than a year after the contract was awarded in November 2025. Norway is the sixth NATO nation and the third member of the Nordic Defence Cooperation NORDEFCO to procure the M3. The amphibious rig is the fastest bridging and ferrying asset within the Alliance. It can be deployed as a floating bridge or as a ferry to transport all types of vehicles up to the heaviest main battle tanks across water obstacles, including so-called wide wet gaps. Another key advantage is the interoperability it offers among the M3 user nations and with the widely fielded SRB/FSB/IRB pontoon bridge system. The procurement decision of the Nordic Alliance members underscores the M3’s suitability for all climate zones and even the most challenging topographical conditions.
The M3 Amphibious Rig is a self-propelled, amphibious bridging vehicle and ferrying vehicle that is used for the transportation of tanks and other vehicles across water obstacles. Originally developed by the German firm Eisenwerke Kaiserslautern (EWK, since 2002 acquired by General Dynamics European Land Systems), it succeeded the conceptually similar M2 made by the same company. Like its predecessor, the M3 traverses roads on its four wheels, deploying two large aluminium pontoons for buoyancy on water. The M3 is 1.4 metres (4.6 ft) longer and 3,300 kg (7,300 lb) heavier than the M2, with the M3 having a turn diameter of 24 metres (79 ft). Development of the M3 began in 1982, with the final prototype being delivered 10 years later in 1992. A first order of 64 serial vehicles was made in 1994, and it entered service with the German and British armies in 1996. Since then, the M3 has also been adopted by several NATO and allied nations.
