The “Suryon” bridging system (Image courtesy of Republic of Korea Army)
SEOUL, Jun. 13 (Korea Bizwire) – The South Korean Army has brought into service a new domestically developed bridging system called “Suryon” (Water Dragon), significantly enhancing its ability to cross rivers and other water obstacles during military operations.
The Suryon, now deployed with the 7th Maneuver Corps, is an amphibious vehicle capable of transforming from a standard wheeled configuration into a bridge or raft formation when the army needs to conduct river-crossing operations.
Its name refers to a dragon living in the water, symbolizing ground forces’ freedom to maneuver across both land and rivers, according to the military.
Compared to existing bridging equipment, the Suryon requires up to 80% fewer personnel to operate and 70% less time to install, while increasing the maximum traversable weight from 54 to 64 metric tons.
Whereas older systems necessitated around six hours of preparation before bridge assembly could begin, the Suryon eliminates this delay entirely. On roads, it can reach top speeds of 43 miles per hour.
Incorporating enhanced armor protection and chemical defense gear to improve crew survivability, the new system also domestically sources 90% of its components.
At a deployment ceremony on June 12 held at the 7th Engineer Brigade’s river-crossing training site in Namyangju, Gyeonggi Province, the Suryon’s capabilities were showcased as six vehicles deployed while attack and reconnaissance drones surveilled the far riverbank, and AH-64E Apache gunships provided overhead cover. K2 tanks and other armored vehicles then traversed the floating bridge.
“River-crossing ability is a critical element in seizing battlefield initiative,” said Army Chief of Staff Park An-su, the presiding official. “As a weapons system ensuring rapid crossing for combat units, the Suryon will accelerate attack speeds and drive victory in ground operations.”
M. H. Lee (mhlee@koreabizwire.com)
