The M3 system enables armoured vehicles to cross water obstacles by operating either as a ferry or as a mobile bridge. Each unit measures 12.8 metres in length, nearly 4 metres in height, and weighs 28 tonnes, with a payload capacity of over 120 tonnes.
Operated by a crew of two or three, the M3 is suited for military and civil defence use. The new cooperation builds on existing industrial ties between GDELS and Patria Latvia, which also include work on ASCOD tracked Infantry Fighting Vehicles.
“The M3 system is another example of the high-quality military solutions produced by GDELS,” said Alejandro Page, Vice President of GDELS Santa Bárbara Sistemas. “We are pleased to extend our cooperation with Patria Group’s Latvian unit in Valmiera, which has been initiated in the course of the award of #ASCOD tracked Infantry Fighting Vehicles – the ‘Baltic #HUNTER’ – by the Latvian Government.”
Page added that the M3 systems will strengthen ongoing efforts in ASCOD vehicle support and bolster Latvia’s defence industry. “The M3 systems will complement the existing cooperation on the assembly and servicing of ASCOD vehicles, contribute to the security of supply chain that GDELS is developing in the country, and become a strong component of Latvia’s defense industry,” he stated.
Patria Latvia welcomed the development as a sign of deepening collaboration in support services and operational readiness. “This cooperation in the field of M3 amphibious pontoon bridge system servicing and maintenance marks the next step in strengthening our partnership with GDELS and the National Armed Forces,” said Uģis Romanovs, Chairman of the Board at Patria Latvia and Defence Partnership Latvia.
Romanovs also highlighted the strategic importance of this work for the company’s reputation and capabilities. “This also demonstrates our company’s capabilities and technological expertise in ensuring the rapid and reliable operation of complex military equipment,” he noted.
Latvia currently operates four M3 systems, acquired through full funding from the United States Government under its grant programme.
