Malaysia Opens US$10.8 Million Logistic Support Bridge (LSB) Tender to CPTPP Nations

Malaysia Opens RM45.5 Million Bridging Tender for Army

Mohd Hanif Ismail - : Nov 4, 2025 - : 8:48 am

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Malaysia’s Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) has initiated a significant international tender for the procurement of five Logistic Support Bridge (LSB) systems for the Malaysian Army. The open tender, valued at an estimated RM45.5 million (approx. US$10.84 million), represents a key step in the nation's ongoing military modernisation programme. In a notable move signalling increased market liberalisation, the tender has been explicitly tagged under the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), widening the field of potential suppliers to include international firms from member countries.

This procurement is designed to enhance the Malaysian Army's (Tentera Darat) logistical and sustainment capabilities. Logistic Support Bridges are crucial, non-assault assets used to maintain lines of communication, replace damaged civilian infrastructure, or upgrade routes to support the movement of heavy military hardware such as main battle tanks and other armoured vehicles. The acquisition aligns with the objectives of Malaysia's Defence White Paper, which prioritises the development of a 'Future Force' with high operational readiness, interoperability, and the capacity for rapid deployment and sustainment across the country's challenging terrain, including in East Malaysia.

According to official tender documents released by MINDEF's Procurement Division, the contract is for the supply and delivery of five complete LSB units. The tender, which opened on 3 November 2025, is scheduled to close on 16 December 2025. A mandatory briefing and site visit for interested parties is scheduled for 6 November 2025 in Kuala Lumpur, with attendance restricted to authorised company representatives. The evaluation will be heavily weighted on capability, with bids assessed on a 50/50 split between technical and financial proposals, and a high pass mark of 80% required for both components to be considered.

The inclusion of the FTA and CPTPP designation is highly significant for international suppliers. It obligates Malaysia to provide non-discriminatory treatment to bidders from all CPTPP member states—a bloc that includes Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore, and the United Kingdom. This move fosters a more transparent and competitive procurement environment, allowing established global defence contractors from these nations to compete on equal footing with domestic Malaysian firms. To qualify, bidders must be registered with Malaysia's Ministry of Finance under the relevant code (080101 - Civil Engineering/Public Facilities) and meet stringent financial criteria, including providing bank statements and audited financial records.

This tender is reflective of a broader trend in the Asia-Pacific region, where nations are increasingly focused on bolstering their combat support and logistical capabilities. Beyond conventional military mobility, robust bridging systems are a critical dual-use asset for Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) operations, particularly in Southeast Asia which is frequently affected by floods and natural disasters. This procurement will provide the Malaysian Armed Forces with a modern, heavy-load capability essential for both national defence and civil emergency response.