Rheinmetall to supply advanced mobile surgical units to Ukraine

The Ministry of Defence of Ukraine has commissioned Rheinmetall to supply eight additional Forward Surgical Team (FST) stations for the Armed Forces.

Here's What We Know

The order is part of the Ertüchtigungsinitiative of the German Federal Government. Delivery is expected to begin in 2024 and be completed by the end of 2026.

The order includes eight complete turnkey systems equipped with modern medical technology, such as an X-ray container, operating theatre and intensive care unit.

Rheinmetall will also provide three MAN Military Vehicles (RMMW) trucks, including trailers, to transport each vehicle. The order is valued in the mid-double-digit million euro range.

In addition to the delivery of the rescue FSTs, a week-long training programme for Ukrainian personnel in Germany is also planned.

It is worth noting that in September 2023, Rheinmetall handed over a mobile field hospital (NATO-Role-2-Standard) with 32 beds for patients, eight of which are for intensive care, to Ukraine. Ten Ukrainian soldiers then underwent a two-week training course.

FSTs are special containers for operations, treatment, etc. They are connected to each other for easier movement. They have a reception area, a distribution area, an X-ray room, a surgical training room, a surgical room, and an intensive care unit. A support container with an electric generator and water tanks can autonomously keep the system in operation for at least 48 hours.

Source: Defence Industry Europe