Procurement of LEGUAN wheeled bridge launchers

The Danish Defence Materiel and Procurement Agency (hereinafter “FMI”) entered into a contract on December 3, 2025, with KNDS Deutschland GmbH & Co. KG (hereinafter “KNDS”), which includes the procurement of three so-called Wheeled Bridge Layers (WBL) of the type LEGUAN 10x10, as well as associated technical documentation, training, special tools, test equipment, and an initial spare parts package. The contract also gives FMI the option to continuously purchase mechanic support and spare parts (and their repair) for up to 20 years (corresponding to the expected lifespan of the wheeled bridge launchers) after delivery (expected in 2029). The contract thus enables these services to be procured under framework agreements concerning the Danish Leopard 2 main battle tanks, which FMI and KNDS have already entered into. The type of wheeled bridge launcher being procured is a five-axle all-terrain truck with an integrated launching system that can handle both 14-meter and 26-meter LEGUAN bridges, which are used by the Danish Armed Forces' armored bridge layers (on a Leopard 2 platform). The wheeled bridge launcher is specially designed to deploy and lay LEGUAN bridges as part of military operations and constitutes a vital combat support system, as it increases the flexibility and mobility of the overall bridging system. Under the contract, the wheeled bridge launchers – in line with the Leopard 2 main battle tanks and armored bridge layers – will be covered by KNDS' ongoing system responsibility in accordance with the “system house agreement” that the parties entered into in 2013, and the contract has thus been formally concluded as an addendum to this agreement. The procurement is urgent and is part of the Danish rearmament resulting from the geopolitical situation. The procurement thus forms part of the establishment of the 1st Brigade as a heavy brigade, which will ensure that Denmark can meet NATO's force goals. The procurement will contribute to strengthening the brigade's combat power through increased bridging capacity, which enhances maneuverability. The contract was awarded directly – without tender – to KNDS, as there is a sole supplier situation within the meaning of Article 28, Paragraph 1, Letter e of the Defence and Security Directive, as further detailed below.