Belgian defense firm John Cockerill Defense has announced plans to transform 113 military vehicles into ambulances to support Ukraine amidst the ongoing conflict with Russia. This initiative will see the conversion of 11 BAE Systems Bandvagn 206 (BV-206) all-terrain vehicles and 102 Mercedes-Benz Unimog U4000 trucks. The refurbished vehicles are set to be delivered to Kyiv, according to reports from the Ukrainian state-run outlet UNITED24.
This new contract follows earlier modifications of M113 armored carriers and BV-206s carried out by Cockerill in 2023 and 2024, highlighting the firm’s ongoing commitment to aid Ukraine’s military operations. Belgian Defence Minister Theo Francken emphasized the importance of such vehicles in modern warfare, stating, “In a war where mobility and the ability to save lives are crucial, every ambulance, every truck, can prove decisive,” during the contract’s approval process in July. He further noted that the project is not only about enhancing the logistics of Ukrainian forces but also about their capacity to protect and care for their soldiers.
The production of these ambulances involves a collaboration between Cockerill, Mercedes-Benz, and Belgium’s Lambert Group, which will supply tires, transmissions, and other critical components. While Cockerill has experience with the BV-206, this contract marks its first venture into modifying the Unimog platform for medical purposes.
Initial deliveries of the ambulances are projected for late 2025, with the remainder expected to follow in early 2026. The contract is believed to be valued in the “tens of millions of euros,” which is significant for sustaining operations at Cockerill’s Aubange facility and preserving local employment as the company seeks to broaden its defense exports.
In the previous year, Cockerill reported revenues of $1.4 billion but continues to face stiff competition for major defense contracts. In light of this, the company has urged the Belgian government to expedite the contracting process to facilitate quicker delivery of equipment to Ukraine.
Both vehicle models play a critical role in military logistics. The BV-206, measuring 7 meters (23 feet) in length, can accommodate up to 17 people and carry a cargo of up to 2,250 kilograms (4,960 pounds). It can also be equipped with heavy weaponry, including a mounted heavy machine gun, smoke grenade launchers, and mortars. Powered by a 132-horsepower Ford Cologne V6 engine, the BV-206 can achieve a top speed of 65 kilometers (40 miles) per hour and has a range of about 330 kilometers (205 miles).
The Unimog U4000 measures 6 meters (20 feet) long and seats up to seven personnel, with a payload capacity of 3,000 kilograms (6,614 pounds). The truck is equipped with a Euro 5 Mercedes-Benz OM LA engine that produces 222 horsepower, allowing it to reach a maximum speed of 90 kilometers (56 miles) per hour.
