Prague, Czech Republic — Industrial-technology group Czechoslovak Group (CSG) has signed several contracts worth more than $50 million for the supply of bridge-laying vehicles to five customers in Europe, the Middle East and Southeast Asia.
The contracts cover dozens of vehicles from the AM-70 and AM-50 series. Deliveries will be handled by Excalibur Army, a CSG company specialising in the development, production and modernisation of land-based military equipment.
The orders are for specialised engineering vehicles designed to help military units and equipment cross watercourses, trenches and other natural or man-made obstacles. CSG said the contracts reflect continued international demand for engineering and support vehicles that provide mobility in difficult terrain and operating conditions.
AM-70 EX Designed for Rapid Gap Crossing
The AM-70 EX is designed for rapid deployment across both dry and wet gaps. According to Excalibur Army, a three-person crew can deploy a 13.5-metre bridge section within minutes.
Individual bridge sections can be connected to create longer crossings. Up to eight sections can be linked to span gaps of up to 106 metres, while the system's supports can reach into trenches up to six metres deep.
The modular design allows several vehicles and bridge sections to be used together when a longer crossing is required.
AM-50 EX and AM-70 EX Load Classifications
The two bridge-laying vehicle series provide different load capacities. The AM-50 EX has an MLC 50 load classification, while the AM-70 EX has an MLC 70 classification under STANAG 2021. These classifications allow the systems to support the movement of heavy military equipment.
Both vehicles use a TATRA 8×8 chassis and have a stated top speed of 90 km/h. The chassis is intended to provide mobility over rough and difficult terrain.
The AM-70 EX also uses a four-girder, scissor-type bridge construction. Excalibur Army states that its bridge sections are compatible with earlier AM-50, AM-50 EX and AM-50 B generations, allowing the newer system to operate alongside older bridge equipment.
Depending on customer requirements, the vehicle cabin can be fitted with ballistic protection of up to Level 2 under STANAG 4569.
CSG Sees Continued International Demand
Richard Kuběna, Sales Director of the CSG Defence Systems division, said customers value the vehicles' combination of off-road mobility, rapid deployment and the ability to create longer crossings according to operational requirements.
He also pointed to contracts across Europe, the Middle East and Southeast Asia as evidence of demand for the company's engineering and support vehicles in different climatic and operating conditions.
Bridge-laying vehicles are part of CSG's broader land-systems portfolio, which also includes specialised logistics vehicles, artillery systems and armoured vehicles. The new contracts expand the group's order book in the engineering and support vehicle segment.
The AM-70 EX has also been used for civilian emergency-response activities. Excalibur Army has supplied the system to the Czech Fire and Rescue Service, where the vehicle has been used to provide temporary bridge capability during emergency operations. The company also identifies civil rescue, construction and forestry applications for the system when equipped with a full bridge deck and curbs.
The latest contracts add to Excalibur Army's international business in specialised engineering vehicles while expanding CSG's presence in the military mobility and support vehicle market.
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