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Belgium to Deliver Dozens of BV-206 Ambulance All-Terrain Vehicles to Ukraine by Year-End.
According to VRT NWS, as part of its ongoing support for Ukraine, Belgium plans to deliver several dozen unique tracked vehicles by the end of the year, specifically designed for difficult terrains. These vehicles, the Hagglund BV 206, were purchased from the international second-hand market and then fully refurbished by a Belgian company, John Cockerill. They are now ready to be sent to Ukraine, where they will primarily be used for evacuating wounded soldiers from the front lines.
The BV 206 stands out for its ability to navigate almost any terrain, including deep snow, muddy swamps, steep slopes, or even shallow water, without effort (Picture source: Bundeswehr)
The BV 206, originally produced by the Swedish manufacturer Hägglunds, is an amphibious tracked vehicle, known for its exceptional performance in difficult terrains. The BV-206 is an articulated all-terrain troop transport vehicle, initially developed by Hägglunds, now a subsidiary of BAE Systems. It consists of two modules and is recognized for its ability to operate in harsh conditions, such as snow and mountains. Both the Ukrainians and Belgians have focused on this vehicle because of its high mobility in rugged terrain, making it an ideal choice for casualty evacuation missions. In October 2023, Germany had already delivered 73 units of the same vehicle to Ukraine.
The BV-206 measures 6.36 meters in length, 2.3 meters in width, and 2.43 meters in height. It can carry up to 10 people or a payload of 1.37 tons and weighs 7.3 tons. Powered by a 6-cylinder diesel engine providing 177 horsepower, the BV-206 can reach a top speed of 52 km/h on roads and 4 km/h in water. Its impressive range is 330 kilometers.
More than 11,000 units of the BV-206 have been produced throughout its development, and it is currently in use in over 37 countries worldwide for various military and civilian missions. Ukraine, already equipped with these vehicles, had requested more from its allies, and this delivery is part of a military aid package announced by the Belgian government in March.
John Cockerill, a defense company located in the Walloon region, has undertaken the full modernization of these vehicles, transforming them into armored, multipurpose vehicles that will be converted into medical vehicles. This includes installing a more powerful Mercedes engine, overhauling the steering system, and adding a simple stretcher system to enable efficient evacuation of the wounded. Ukraine specifically requested that these vehicles be easy to operate, ensuring they could be deployed quickly with minimal training. This contract is part of the last three military aid packages to Ukraine, totaling 412 million euros, approved by the Belgian federal government on March 15, 2024. The initiative is part of a cooperation between the Belgian, Dutch, and Luxembourg governments to provide military assistance to Ukraine.
John Cockerill, a defense company located in the Walloon region, has undertaken the full modernization of these vehicles (Picture source: John Cockerill)
These vehicles, however, are not armored, making them less suitable for front-line use. They will primarily be deployed for support and evacuation missions in less exposed areas, though still essential for ensuring smooth operations in the field. Given that the war in Ukraine is expected to continue for several months, having such vehicles available for casualty evacuation remains crucial.
The BV 206 stands out for its ability to navigate almost any terrain, including deep snow, muddy swamps, steep slopes, or even shallow water, without effort. With its wide tracks and modular design, it can be configured for various missions, from troop transport and logistics to reconnaissance and casualty evacuation. Its robustness is another significant advantage, as it can withstand extreme temperatures, shocks, and vibrations. Though it may appear somewhat rudimentary in design, the BV 206 is a reliable and easy-to-maintain vehicle.
Globally, the BV 206 is used by many armies for a range of missions. Its ability to operate in remote and inaccessible areas makes it indispensable for special units that need to operate in hostile environments. In summary, the BV 206 is a robust and versatile military vehicle, well-suited for the challenges posed by difficult terrains and complex missions. Its delivery to Ukraine enhances the country’s capabilities in the ongoing war, while also highlighting the importance of international military aid in modern conflicts.