New Floating Bridge and CBRE Capability Unveiled

Singapore Ministry of Defence, Good things usually come in pairs and this was certainly true for the Singapore Combat Engineers on 24 Apr. 
 
They celebrated their 40th anniversary at the Floating Platform at Marina Bay, and also unveiled two new platforms – the new-generation float bridge and the Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Explosives (CBRE) Defence capability. 
 
The German-made M3G Float Bridge acquired to replace the existing fleet of ageing float bridges in the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) is a high-mobility wheeled vehicle which can be opened up as a mobile platform for crossing waterways. 
 
In use since last year, the M3G takes only 20 minutes to construct a bridge, unlike its predecessors, the Comet and Almond, which take up to 30 and 50 minutes respectively. 
 
Only eight men are needed to operate the M3G, and its amphibious capability will aid the combat engineers more in their operations. 
 
Relating his experience in operating the new floating equipment, Master Warrant (MWO) Ow Ken Loon said: “This new M3G is of high performance, and it's much improved, compared to the previous equipment that we have. 
 
“It's highly mechanised and easy to operate,” added the Brigade Sergeant Major of Headquarters Army Combat Engineers (HQ ARMCEG). “It reduces manpower and time, which results in faster deployment.” 
 
As part of the commissioning of the CBRE Defence capability, the new GR 660 Radiation Surveillance System was also launched. Deployed in vehicles or aircraft, the system allows real-time surveillance and monitoring of radiation levels. 
 
Data collected can be displayed on a graph and operators can detect the presence of radiation through the readings. 
 
According to Second Sergeant (2SG) Edward Cheak from the CBRE Defence Group, the CBRE vehicles can now also double up as response vehicles, with the new GR 660 deployed in them. 
 
“Previously we didn't have such a large-scale radiological detector. It's up-to-date and technologically advanced,” added the 22-year-old. 
 
Minister for Defence Teo Chee Hean was at Marina Bay to commission the new equipment. He also took a ride on the M3G. 
 
He said: “It's a modular and very flexible piece of equipment which can be built into a bridge and also be used as a raft. 
 
“It's more modernised and more manoeuvrable, and it's a more powerful piece of equipment,” added Mr Teo, comparing the floating bridge to the current bridges in the SAF. “It should be able to serve our purpose well.”