Belgian defense company John Cockerill Defense will convert 113 military vehicles into ambulances for Ukraine, reinforcing the nation’s military support amid Russia’s ongoing invasion.
The project covers 11 BAE Systems Bandvagn 206 (BV-206) all-terrain vehicles and 102 Mercedes-Benz Unimog U4000 trucks, which will be refurbished and delivered to Kyiv, according to Ukrainian state outlet UNITED24.
This latest effort follows earlier modernization programs involving M113 armored carriers and BV-206s completed by Cockerill in 2023 and 2024.
Production and Delivery
Cockerill, based in Liège, is partnering with Mercedes and Belgium’s Lambert Group, which will supply tires, transmissions, and other parts. Although the firm has previously worked on the BV-206, this marks its first conversion of the Unimog platform.
The first batch of ambulances is expected by late 2025, with remaining deliveries set for early 2026.
The contract, reportedly worth tens of millions of euros, will also support employment at Cockerill’s Aubange facility and strengthen its defense export portfolio.
Despite reporting $1.4 billion in revenue last year, the company faces intense global competition, prompting calls for faster Belgian government contracting to accelerate aid to Ukraine.
Vehicle Overview
The BV-206 is a 7-meter (23-foot) tracked vehicle that carries up to 17 personnel or 2,250 kilograms (4,960 pounds) of cargo, and can be armed with heavy machine guns, smoke launchers, and mortars. It runs on a 132-horsepower Ford Cologne V6 engine, reaching 65 km/h (40 mph) and a range of 330 km (205 miles).
The Unimog U4000, at 6 meters (20 feet) long, accommodates seven passengers, supports a 3,000-kilogram (6,614-pound) payload, and uses a 222-horsepower Euro 5 Mercedes-Benz OM LA engine, achieving speeds up to 90 km/h (56 mph).
