Russian troops capture one of two British FV104 Samaritan ambulances used by Ukraine.

On May 18, 2024, the Russian Ministry of Defense revealed the capture of one of the two British FV104 Samaritan tracked ambulances purchased for the Ukrainian Army in the Novomykhailivka area. Captured by the motorized rifle brigade of troop group Vostok, the Samaritan is one of the rarest variants within the British CVR(T) family of armored fighting vehicles (AFVs), with only 100 units produced.
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The Samaritan is one of the rarest variants within the British CVR(T) family of armored fighting vehicles (AFVs), with only 100 units produced and reportedly only two in service with Ukrainian forces. (Picture source: Russian social media and Armstrongs UK)

The evacuation of the damaged FV104 Samaritan from the battlefield was conducted by personnel of Vostok's evacuation group under the cover of darkness. Subsequently, it was taken to the brigade's repair unit for short-term repairs and maintenance. Following repairs, it is set to be showcased alongside other captured military equipment from the Ukrainian Armed Forces in an exhibition on Moscow's Poklonnaya Hill. A review of the captured vehicle was carried out, with a representative of the Rembat noting that this FV104 Samaritan is expected to serve within the Russian Armed Forces following its display in the exhibition.

The Ukrainian Armed Forces have received a notable quantity of variants within the British CVR(T) family of armored fighting vehicles (AFVs) as part of broader military aid efforts. Specifically, available information indicates that Ukraine has acquired two FV104 Samaritan ambulances among the 155 units of British armored vehicles procured through various volunteer and fundraising initiatives. These vehicles were sourced from private owners and auctions in the UK, with efforts led by organizations such as the Serhiy Prytula Charitable Foundation and the Ukrainian World Congress.

The FV104 Samaritan, a British armored tracked ambulance, is part of the Combat Vehicle Reconnaissance (Tracked) or CVR(T) family. Designed in the early 1970s by Alvis Vehicles Ltd, the Samaritan was developed to transport wounded soldiers from the frontline to field hospitals, offering a safe and armored environment for medical treatment during transit. The vehicle's design focuses on mobility and protection, including features such as mine protection, allowing it to operate in combat zones and rough terrain, ensuring wounded personnel can be evacuated swiftly and safely.

In terms of medical capabilities, the FV104 Samaritan is equipped with a suite of medical equipment, including stretchers and basic life-saving supplies. It can carry up to six seated casualties or four stretcher-bound patients, along with a medical attendant and driver. (Picture source: Army Recognition)

In terms of medical capabilities, the FV104 Samaritan is equipped with a suite of medical equipment, including stretchers and basic life-saving supplies. It can carry up to six seated casualties or four stretcher-bound patients, along with a medical attendant and driver. The vehicle’s armor provides protection against small arms fire and shrapnel, crucial for maintaining the safety of both medical personnel and patients during evacuation missions. Additionally, the Samaritan features a compact and agile design, allowing it to navigate difficult terrains and keep pace with frontline units, ensuring rapid response times in critical situations.

The FV104 Samaritan is powered by a Jaguar J60 4.2-liter petrol engine, delivering 195 hp, enabling a maximum speed of 72 km/h on roads and a range of approximately 483 km. The vehicle weighs around 8 tonnes and features a torsion bar suspension system, enhancing its cross-country performance. Its dimensions are relatively compact, measuring 5.07 meters in length, 2.24 meters in width, and 2.24 meters in height. These specifications ensure that the Samaritan can be easily transported and deployed in various operational theaters.

Historically, the FV104 Samaritan has seen extensive service with the British Army and other military forces. Since its introduction in the 1970s, it has been deployed in numerous conflicts and peacekeeping missions around the world, including the Falklands War, Gulf War, and operations in the Balkans and Afghanistan. The vehicle has demonstrated reliability and effectiveness in providing essential medical evacuation services under hostile conditions and is still used and upgraded today, demonstrating its perceived value in modern military operations.