Belgium’s John Cockerill Defense has announced plans to convert 113 military vehicles into ambulances for Ukraine, reinforcing the country’s humanitarian and defense support amid the ongoing conflict with Russia. The initiative covers the refurbishment of 11 BAE Systems Bandvagn 206 (BV-206) all-terrain vehicles and 102 Mercedes-Benz Unimog U4000 trucks, according to Ukrainian outlet UNITED24. These vehicles will be upgraded to medical evacuation configurations and delivered to Kyiv over the next two years.
The Liège-based company is working alongside Mercedes-Benz and Belgium’s Lambert Group, which will supply key components such as tires, transmissions, and other hardware. While Cockerill has previously modernized the BV-206 platform, this marks its first modification of the Unimog U4000, highlighting a significant expansion in its vehicle upgrade portfolio. The first units are expected by late 2025, with full delivery planned for early 2026.
Valued in the tens of millions of euros, the contract will also help sustain operations at Cockerill’s Aubange facility, securing local employment and strengthening the firm’s export footprint. The company, which generated $1.4 billion in revenue last year, continues to push the Belgian government for faster defense contracting processes to accelerate delivery timelines for Ukraine’s urgent military needs.
The BV-206 is a 7-meter (23-foot) tracked all-terrain vehicle that carries up to 17 passengers or 2,250 kilograms of cargo, and can be fitted with machine guns, mortars, and smoke launchers for defense missions. It is powered by a 132-horsepower Ford Cologne V6 engine, achieving a top speed of 65 km/h and a range of 330 km. The Unimog U4000, in contrast, is a 6-meter, 7-seat tactical truck with a 3,000-kilogram payload capacity, driven by a 222-horsepower Euro 5 Mercedes-Benz OM LA engine, capable of 90 km/h top speed — making both platforms ideal for rough terrain medical missions.
