The U.S. Army is bolstering its ability to overcome battlefield obstacles with a nearly $45 million contract for 20 additional Joint Assault Bridge (JAB) systems. The procurement, announced this week, underscores the critical importance of maintaining maneuverability for armored units in modern warfare, particularly in scenarios involving damaged infrastructure or contested terrain. This investment in heavy assault bridging reflects a continued focus on overcoming potential impediments to armored advances.
The $44,978,691 contract modification was awarded to DRS Sustainment Systems (DRS SSI) of Bridgeton, Missouri, according to a notice posted on the Department of Defense website. The funds, obligated from Fiscal Years 2024, 2025, and 2026 Procurement of Weapons and Tracked Combat Vehicles, Army funds, will cover the procurement of the JAB systems and associated spare parts. Work is expected to be completed by March 31, 2027, and will be performed in West Plains, Missouri. The contracting activity is managed by the Army Contracting Command, Detroit Arsenal, Michigan.
Bridging the Gap in Modern Warfare
The JAB is designed to provide a crucial capability for Armored Brigade Combat Teams (ABCTs), allowing them to rapidly cross both wet and dry gaps while maintaining protection. These gaps can range from rivers and canals to anti-tank ditches, craters, and sections of roads destroyed by conflict or natural disaster. The ability to quickly and safely overcome these obstacles is paramount to sustaining momentum during offensive and defensive operations. Without such capabilities, armored formations can be significantly slowed or even halted, creating vulnerabilities.
Built on the chassis of the M1A1 Abrams tank, utilizing a heavy M1A2 suspension, the JAB integrates a hydraulic bridge launcher system. This system deploys the existing Military Load Class 85 Armored Vehicle Launched Bridge (AVLB), a well-established bridging solution. According to Leonardo DRS, the parent company of DRS SSI, this design choice ensures the JAB can keep pace with armored formations, offering similar levels of speed and protection. This integration is operationally significant, as it allows engineer support vehicles to remain aligned with front-line tanks during high-intensity combat.
Technical Specifications and Capabilities
The JAB’s bridge has a scissor bridge capacity of MLC 115, and can handle MLC 120 with caution, meaning it can support the passage of modern heavy armored vehicles, including main battle tanks like the M1 Abrams and other tracked support systems. The bridge itself measures 18.3 meters (approximately 60 feet) in length. The JAB vehicle itself is approximately 12.8 meters (42 feet) long, 4.15 meters (13.6 feet) wide, and 3.95 meters (12.9 feet) high.
Deployment is designed to be rapid. Leonardo DRS states the system can launch the bridge in 3 to 5 minutes and retrieve it in 6 to 10 minutes in its primary mode. The JAB is also engineered for a wide range of environmental conditions, operating effectively in temperatures from -32°C to 52°C (-25°F to 126°F). The system is transportable by both C-5 and C-17 strategic airlift aircraft, enhancing its deployability to global hotspots.
The Growing Importance of Obstacle Breaching
The procurement of these additional JAB systems comes as the U.S. Army continues to analyze lessons learned from recent conflicts, including the war in Ukraine. Modern battlefields are increasingly characterized by layered defenses, extensive minefields, and deliberate destruction of infrastructure. These obstacles are designed to channel enemy forces into kill zones and disrupt their advance. The Army has publicly stated its prioritization of breaching capabilities to counter these tactics.
“Freedom of maneuver is often shaped by prepared defenses, destroyed infrastructure, and layered obstacle networks,” Leonardo DRS notes in its product literature. The JAB, along with other breaching systems, is intended to restore that freedom of maneuver, allowing armored forces to overcome these challenges and maintain the initiative. The ability to quickly establish a path through obstacles can be decisive in determining the outcome of a battle.
The Army’s investment in the JAB is not simply about acquiring new hardware; it’s about enhancing the overall effectiveness of its armored forces. By ensuring that engineers can keep pace with tanks and other combat vehicles, the Army is striving to create a more integrated and responsive fighting force. This is particularly important in a world where potential adversaries are increasingly focused on developing asymmetric capabilities designed to counter U.S. Military advantages.
Looking ahead, the Army will continue to evaluate and refine its breaching capabilities. The completion of this contract in March 2027 will deliver 20 additional JAB systems to the field, further strengthening the Army’s ability to overcome obstacles and maintain maneuverability in future conflicts. Updates on the delivery and fielding of these systems will be available through official Army channels and Leonardo DRS press releases.
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