Ukraine has ordered eight additional Forward Surgical Team (FST) stations from Rheinmetall for the country’s armed forces.
This is part of a German government training initiative, with delivery expected from 2024 to the end of 2026.
The turnkey systems are used on the front line to help carry out life-sustaining interventions on severely injured soldiers.
Forward Surgical Team
An FST station is a container-based mounted rescue unit, comprising a truck, a trailer, and a total of five interconnected and a separate container.
Each of the interconnected containers has a triage area, an x-ray shelter, a surgery preparation, a surgery shelter, and an intensive care unit.
The support container consists of a power generator and water tanks to keep the system operational for 48 hours on its own.
The order is in the mid-double-digit euros and includes a week’s training for Ukrainian personnel in Germany.
Previous Orders
Ukraine earlier ordered two FST stations from Rheinmetall in June 2023, with delivery in early 2024.
Rheinmetall is also scheduled to deliver a turnkey mobile field hospital (NATO Role 2 standard) to Ukraine in September, comprising 32 beds for patients, including eight for intensive care.
Ten Ukrainian soldiers underwent a two-week training for assembly and disassembly, as well as transportation and operation of the mobile hospital.
“The medical care facilities from Rheinmetall are highly mobile, very fast operational and quality-wise on the highest standard,” Rheinmetall CEO Armin Papperger said.
“The newly placed order underlines that our first deliveries to Ukraine concerning medical technology have proven their worth. We are happy to play an important part in supporting the Ukrainian Forces also with our medical aid.”
