Made In India Short Span Bridging Systems Inducted Into Army, Helps In Faster Mobilisation Of Troops And Resources

The first production lot of 12 Short Span Bridging System (SSBS)-10 m, designed and developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), has been inducted into the Indian Army by Chief of the Army Staff General MM Naravane during a ceremony held at Cariappa Parade Ground, Delhi Cantt on Friday (2 July).

The SSBS-10 m plays a crucial role in bridging the gaps up to 9.5 m as a single span providing a 4 m wide, fully decked roadway, ensuring faster movement of the troops.

Research and Development Establishment, 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, the production agency.

“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 of Defence said.

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. The system will help in the quick movement of troops and enhance the mobilisation of resources.

The DRDO has vast experience in developing critical Combat Engineering Systems like Military Bridging Systems. Several 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, etc. been developed.

The 34.5 m Mountain Foot Bridge was also developed by DRDO earlier. The Indian Army has widely accepted these bridges.