The Lithuanian Armed Forces is enhancing its defensive capabilities with the latest procurement of LEOPARD 2 A8 LEGUAN bridge layer system from KNDS Deutschland. The contract stands at approx. EUR 210 million. It includes sets of spares, operator and maintenance personnel training, simulation and training system for driver, and technical documentation.
“The LEGUAN vehicle-launched bridges will improve the Lithuanian Armed Forces’ battlefield mobility and tactical flexibility. It will enable our armored equipment to surmount natural and man-made obstacle quickly in case of necessity which is a critical factor in modern warfare. This acquisition steps defensibility of Lithuania and the entire eastern flank,” says Minister of National Defence Robertas Kaunas.
The acquired LEOPARD 2 A8 LEGUAN mobile bridges are an automated tactical bridge system built on armored tracked LEOPARD 2 A8 tank chassis. The system has highly protective armor, superior all-terrain characteristics and lays a bridge spanning 25 m of obstacles otherwise insurmountable to tactical ground equipment in less than six minutes.
Thanks to its extensive automation and advanced visual surveillance LEOPARD 2 A8 LEGUAN bridge layers can operated round the clock while the crew remains in the safety of its armor. The system is typically managed by a crew of two, however, the level of automation is fair enough that it can be done solely by the driver if necessary.
Mounted on different tracked and wheeled platforms, LEGUAN is currently in use or being purchased by militaries of 22 countries worldwide which is a testament to its operational efficiency and reliability.
