Lithuania has contracted KNDS Deutschland for the purchase of 12 Leguan bridge layers, expanding the country’s battlefield logistics support for its tanks and other combat vehicles.
The deal, valued at 210 million euros ($251.4 million), includes the provision of spare parts, operator and technician courses, training simulators, and associated documentation.
Each system will be delivered with two 14-meter (46-meter) and a single 26-meter (85-foot) bridge structure, which the company said complies with the Military Load Class 80 (MLC 80) requirements.
‘Critically Important’
The MLC 80 bridging and route capacity allows the passage of tracked vehicles weighing up to 73 tons (160,937 pounds) and wheeled vehicles up to 84 tons (185,188 pounds).
KNDS’ Leguan platform has a standard variant with bridge systems mounted on Leopard 2 main battle tank chassis.
It is operated by two specialists and can be deployed over untraversable terrain and gaps for military equipment measuring up to 25 meters (82 feet) wide in under six minutes.
Currently, the Leguan is employed or being procured by 22 partner nations.
KNDS’ latest contract for the system prior to the Baltic state’s order was announced last December, with the Danish Armed Forces as the recipient.
“LEGUAN bridgeheads will significantly increase the mobility and tactical flexibility of the Lithuanian Armed Forces on the battlefield,” Lithuanian Defence Minister Robertas Kaunas commented on the agreement.
“If necessary, armored vehicles will be able to quickly overcome natural and artificial obstacles, which is critically important in modern warfare. This acquisition strengthens the defense of both Lithuania and the entire eastern flank of NATO.”
