Philippine Army Receives Norinco GQL-111 Vehicle-Launched Bridges

On April 26, 2024, MacDefense Philippines reported through its X account that the Philippine Army received three Chinese-made Norinco GQL-111 vehicle-launched bridges from China. These bridges were the first mobile bridges in service before the arrival of Israeli Merkava AVLBs and WFEL DSBs. This equipment was provided during the term of former President Duterte, according to a member of the MDP community.

The GQL-111 is a scissor-type bridge system, transported and deployed from an 8×8 all-terrain truck chassis. It is conceptually similar to the Russian TMM-6 heavy bridge-building system. The GQL-111 can span gaps up to 15 meters with a single section and up to 75 meters with a complete set of five sections, making it a versatile solution for bridging both dry and wet gaps. Each scissor bridge also includes an adjustable leg that can extend up to 5.5 meters below, enhancing its stability and functionality in various settings.

According to the Chinese defense industry, the GQL-111 can support armored combat vehicles weighing up to 50 tons and wheeled vehicles with a maximum axle load of 13 tons. A later version, known as the Modified 60T Heavy Mechanized Bridge, has increased the load capacity to 60 tons, further broadening its applicability in more demanding combat and logistical support scenarios.

The GQL-111 is also in service with the Chinese army. This system can be used with pontoons to enable crossing wider rivers.

The Norinco GQL-111 vehicle-launched bridges have also been delivered by China to several other countries including Ethiopia and Peru. Ethiopia’s military has been reported to use these mobile bridges, which are notable for their scissor-type design capable of spanning significant gaps. Peru received a few units of the GQL-111 as part of a donation from China, which included various military and engineering equipment. In the Philippines, the bridges were also donated by China as part of military assistance, with at least three units confirmed to be in service.

The donation of equipment such as the Norinco GQL-111 vehicle-launched bridges by China to countries like Peru, Ethiopia, and the Philippines can be seen as part of China’s strategic diplomatic and military outreach. These donations are typically aimed at strengthening bilateral relationships, expanding China’s influence in global geopolitics, and securing allies in strategic regions. Such gestures often accompany or facilitate broader cooperation agreements across various sectors, including defense, trade, and infrastructure development.