Rapid Military Deployment Bridge Designed for Efficient Field Assembly and Tactical Mobility
MONTREAL – February 15, 2016 — MAADI Group, a Montreal-based engineering firm specializing in aluminum structures and the patented MakeABridge® system, has delivered a prototype military deployment bridge to the 5 Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group (5 CMBG) for real-world testing. The bridge, designed for rapid field deployment, will undergo a rigorous six-month evaluation period near Quebec City.
Proven Innovation in Rapid Military Bridge Deployment
The prototype military deployment bridge was specifically engineered for speed, durability, and mobility in field conditions. With the ability to be deployed in as little as 1 hour and 20 minutes, the modular aluminum bridge offers military units like 5 CMBG a strategic asset for tactical mobility, emergency relief operations, and field logistics.
“Our system and process is quick and simple. It’s like assembling Lego® blocks,” said Alexandre de la Chevrotière, president of MAADI Group. “This project revolutionizes military bridging. Eleven of these structures have already been sold to civilian organizations, but this is the first one being tested by the Military.”
The bridge’s lightweight aluminum structure and modular MakeABridge® design mean it can be transported easily, assembled rapidly with a local crew of 10–12, and disassembled or reconfigured to suit different operational needs.
Modular Military Bridge Supports Troops and Small Vehicles
The current prototype spans 18 meters in length and is designed to support the movement of small motorized vehicles such as ATVs, snowmobiles, and light-duty service vehicles. It also enables simultaneous crossing by up to 137 soldiers, which dramatically increases throughput and operational speed during military missions.
To ensure durability and structural performance, the bridge frame is supported by heavy-duty bolts and underwent stress and load testing in collaboration with the University of Waterloo, a recognized leader in engineering research. These tests confirmed the bridge’s ability to endure challenging terrain, harsh weather, and repetitive deployment without compromising its structural integrity.
Government and Military Collaboration on Deployment Testing
Testing officially began the week of January 18, 2016, initiated by Public Works and Government Services Canada (PWGSC). According to Major Martin Brosseau of 5 CMBG:
“The idea is to test the modular bridge to see if it is practical to introduce within our operations. We have already tested several scenarios during the week.”
The ongoing trials involve full deployment and disassembly drills, airlift simulations via helicopter, and evaluations under simulated combat and disaster relief conditions.
Testing Location and Timeline
Although not conducted at CFB Valcartier, the tests are taking place near Quebec City, giving Canadian Forces the opportunity to assess the bridge’s performance in a variety of real-world environments. The results from this six-month evaluation will determine whether the system can be integrated into broader military infrastructure planning.
Advantages of Aluminum in Military Bridging Solutions – Why Aluminum Matters for Tactical Operations
Aluminum is a game-changer in the field of military engineering. Compared to traditional steel structures, aluminum offers a significantly higher strength-to-weight ratio, resists corrosion, and reduces both shipping costs and labor requirements.
Flexibility and Long-Term Cost Benefits
Because of its modular construction, the bridge can be adjusted in length, moved to different locations, or repurposed for civilian disaster relief efforts. Its ease of use translates into lower training costs and faster deployment times across military, civil engineering, and emergency management sectors.
Future Applications for Military Deployment Bridges
If the 5 CMBG field tests prove successful, the MAADI Group’s military deployment bridge could see wide-scale adoption for various scenarios, including:
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Combat zone logistics
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Humanitarian missions
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Disaster response (e.g., floods, hurricanes, and earthquakes)
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Infrastructure repair in remote regions
“This couldn’t be a better test of our workmanship and the MakeABridge® system,” de la Chevrotière added. “If the results are positive, this opens up major opportunities for public security, defense, and civil protection missions.”
Growing Demand for Rapid-Response Infrastructure
As global climate conditions evolve and emergency events become more frequent, the need for flexible, modular infrastructure will continue to grow. MAADI Group is positioning its MakeABridge® system as a scalable, efficient solution ready for the next generation of rapid-response and military mobility challenges.
A Strategic Step for Canadian Innovation and Defense
This six-month collaboration with the Canadian Armed Forces positions MAADI at the forefront of Canadian military engineering innovation. It demonstrates the value of public-private partnerships in developing homegrown technologies that serve both national defense and international disaster response needs.
MAADI’s approach to aluminum bridge design blends engineering precision, logistical efficiency, and tactical readiness—making their military deployment bridge a powerful tool for Canada and its allies.
Learn More or Request a Demo
MAADI Group invites interested organizations—military, emergency response agencies, and infrastructure planners—to learn more about the military deployment bridge and its field performance.
Contact us to request detailed specifications, view additional field testing footage, or schedule a live or virtual demonstration.
