Program Overview
Birdon’s Bridge Erection Boat (BEB) Program is one of the most successful defence watercraft programs of its kind, supporting the US Army’s tactical mobility operations and serving as a trusted platform for allied nations across four continents.
Built in the United States and continuously evolved through Birdon’s US engineering program, the BEB has become a globally adopted capability for wet-gap crossings, floating bridge assembly and tactical water operations. Following the successful delivery of 24 vessels to the Australian Army, Birdon adapted the design for the US Army, securing a landmark contract in 2013 to build up to 491 boats. Today, the fleet is a cornerstone of US Army bridging capability, with global adoption across multiple allied forces
Quick Facts
- Client
US Army (with Australian Army, Brazilian Army, Swedish Armed Forces, Netherlands Army)
- Lifecycle Stage
Build & Sustainment
- Timeline
2013 – ongoing (contracts extended through 2027)
- Location
Denver, Colorado (US manufacturing)
- Fleet Scale
460+ vessels delivered globally
Program Objectives
- Provide tactical float bridging and rafting capability in austere and combat environments
- Replace aging fleets with modern, reliable and low-maintenance vessels
- Support US industrial capacity and local job creation through domestic production
- Enable NATO interoperability through standardised systems
- Demonstrate export success across allied defence forces
Challenges & Key Metrics
Boats delivered globally
Allied armies supported
On-time delivery
Birdon’s Approach
Birdon’s BEB program combines proven engineering, continuous innovation and long-term partnerships to deliver a scalable, globally adopted platform.
Key Program Features Include:
- US Army production with more than 460 BEBs delivered, maintaining exceptional ratings for quality and schedule performance
- Global adaptability with variants tailored for Australia, Brazil, Sweden and the Netherlands
- Advanced propulsion using Birdon’s proprietary NAMJet waterjet systems, delivering improved thrust and control in shallow or debris-laden environments
- Strategic partnerships with organisations including MMT AB and General Dynamics European Land Systems to support next-generation bridging technologies
- Workforce investment through Birdon’s Denver facility and a network of small business suppliers across multiple states
Program Milestones
Early 2000s
Australian Innovation
Birdon designs and builds 24 Bridge Erection Propulsion Boats (BEPBs) for the Australian Army, laying the foundation for the modern BEB platform
2024–2025
Export Expansion
First deliveries to the Netherlands and new contracts for Sweden and Brazil signal global growth of Birdon’s bridging portfolio
2009–2013
US Contract Award
Birdon wins the US Army Bridge Erection Boat competition, adapting its Australian design for American tactical requirements.
2025–2027
Next-Gen Innovation
New US Army contracts extend production with upgraded systems and armor kits, and integration of MMT’s Bridge Automated Positioning technology for enhanced precision control.
2014–2024
Serial Production
Hundreds of BEBs delivered from the Denver facility to US Army Engineer Battalions nationwide.
Outcomes & Impact
Operational Impact
- Provides the US Army’s core wet-gap crossing capability
- Enables bridge stabilisation and propulsion under combat and disaster response conditions
- Supports tactical mobility across complex environments
Industrial / Economic Impact
- Sustains hundreds of US jobs at Birdon’s Denver facility
- Supports a multi-state supplier network across the US industrial base
- Demonstrates long-term viability of domestic defence manufacturing
Strategic Alignment
- Strengthens US Army engineering and logistics capability
- Enhances interoperability across NATO and allied defence forces
- Positions Birdon as a global provider of tactical bridging solutions
Community & Workforce
- Birdon invests in workforce development through training, apprenticeships and career pathways in advanced manufacturing and engineering, strengthening long-term capability in the US shipbuilding sector.
Testimonial
“I always hold you guys up as an example of what right looks like.”
Jim Rowan
Deputy Commandant, US Army Engineer School
Capabilities in Action
- Serial production of defence watercraft at scale
- Naval architecture and vessel design for tactical bridging operations
- Integration of propulsion, control and mission systems
- Development of modular, exportable defence platforms
- Delivery of long-term sustainment programs across global fleets
- Proven performance under US Army and allied defence standards
