The PM M71 deployment process is the same as for Soviet PMP and was primary designed and used by Yugoslav People's Army.
Development of the PM M71 began at the end of the 1960s in the MTRZ Sava Kovačević plant in Tivat, with the designation "Project 382".
Production began in 1971 and deliveries were made to the Yugoslav People's Army throughout the 1970s and 1980s.
During Croatian army exercise Kupa 17, it was noted that a main battle tank can move at 30 km / h, with the distance of 30 meters between tanks across a deployed PM M71 bridge.
Currently, two pontoon battalions of the River Flotilla of Serbian Armed Forces are equipped with the PM M71.