Belgian Defence Ministry awards €80 million contract to KNDS for latest-generation Leguan bridge layers

The Belgian Ministry of Defence has awarded a contract to KNDS Deutschland for the procurement of new Leguan bridge-laying systems mounted on 10x10 wheeled vehicle platforms, according to information released by industry sources.

The agreement covers the delivery of eight bridge-laying vehicles equipped with the latest version of the Leguan system, along with 17 additional 26-meter bridge sets. The contract also includes logistical support elements and special tools required for operation and maintenance. The overall value of the program is reported to be approximately €80 million.

The Leguan system is designed to support rapid gap-crossing operations for mechanized and armored units. It can deploy a single-span bridge measuring up to 26 meters or two shorter bridge sections, enabling the crossing of obstacles such as rivers, ditches, and damaged infrastructure. The system is rated to carry heavy military vehicles, including main battle tanks and wheeled armored platforms.

Belgium’s configuration is based on a wheeled 10x10 chassis rather than a tracked platform, reflecting a broader European trend toward increased strategic and operational mobility for engineer units. While the Belgian Ministry of Defence has not formally disclosed the truck supplier, comparable wheeled Leguan systems have been integrated on heavy-duty 10x10 vehicles produced by Central European manufacturers.

The selection process reportedly involved competition between several suppliers before KNDS was chosen. With this procurement, Belgium joins other European NATO members that have recently invested in modernized military bridging capabilities to improve force mobility and interoperability during alliance operations.