South Korea army receives KM3 amphibious rig

In a pontoon bridge mode, eight KM3s can be connected (pictured above) in 20 minutes to create a 100 m single bridge for mobile units to cross rivers. (Hanwha Aerospace)

South Korea's Hanwha Aerospace has delivered its first KM3 self-propelled 4×4 amphibious bridge and ferry system to the Republic of Korea Army's (RoKA) 7th Mobile Corps, the company said in a press release on 12 June.

According to the company, the KM3 can build temporary bridges to support the RoKA's platforms such as tanks, self-propelled guns, and armoured vehicles to cross rivers and streams.

The company said the KM3 can be used in two modes – a floating bridge and a pontoon bridge.

When operated in a floating bridge mode, two self-propelled bridges can be combined in 10 minutes to carry tanks and self-propelled guns – weighing up to 60 tons – similar to a ferry, the company added.

In a pontoon bridge mode, eight bridging units can be connected in 20 minutes to create a 100 m single bridge for mobile units to cross the rivers, according to Hanwha Aerospace.

South Korea's Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) said in a press release on 12 June that the KM3 shortens the installation time by about 60–70% and reduces the number of operators by up to 80% in comparison with the existing ribbon pontoon bridge in-service with the RoKA.

In August 2021 Hanwha Aerospace signed a transfer of technology agreement with General Dynamics European Land Systems (GDELS) to produce the latter's M3 self-propelled crossing equipment in South Korea.