The DRDO has vast experience in developing critical Combat Engineering Systems

In a boost to the quick movement of troops and faster mobilization of resources, a bridging system that can cover gaps up to 9.5 meters has been inducted into the Indian Army.

Developed indigenously by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), the Short Span Bridging System (SSBS)-10 m can bridge gaps up to 9.5 m as a single span providing a 4 m wide, fully decked roadway.

The first production lot of 12 SSBS-10 m equipment was inducted into the Indian Army by Chief of the Army Staff General MM Naravane during a ceremony held in New Delhi on Friday. Secretary Department of Defence R&D and Chairman DRDO G Satheesh Reddy was present on the occasion.

According to the defence ministry, the Project Short Span Bridging System involved the development of two prototypes of 5 m SSBS on Tatra 6x6 chassis and another two prototypes of 10 m SSBS on Tatra 8x8 re-engineered chassis.

"Both the systems have undergone rigorous Directorate General of Quality Assurance (DGQA), MET and User trials and after successful completion of all the trials, the systems were recommended for induction into the services," the ministry pointed out.

This bridging system is compatible with Sarvatra Bridging System (75 m), where the last span requires covering gaps less than 9.5 m. The deployed bridge is of the load classification of MLC 70.

Research & Development Establishment (Engrs) Pune, a premier engineering laboratory of DRDO, has designed and developed the system in association with M/s L&T Ltd. The 12 bridges are part of 102 SSBS-10 m from M/s L&T Ltd, which is the production agency.

The DRDO has vast experience in developing critical Combat Engineering Systems like Military Bridging Systems.

The agency has developed a number of mechanised mobility solutions for the Indian Army like Single Span 5 m and 10 m, Short Span Bridging System, 46 m Modular Bridge, 20 m BLT-T72 and multi span 75 m Sarvatra Bridging System. Manually launched 34.5 m Mountain Foot Bridge was also developed by DRDO earlier.

These bridges have been widely accepted by the Indian Army, the defence ministry added.