Israel’s Ministry of Defence announced that it had delivered three more armoured ambulances to Ukraine’s emergency services, given Russia’s nearly year-long invasion of the country. The Mercedes Sprinter armoured ambulances join another such vehicle that arrived in Ukraine several weeks ago, equipped with monitor, defibrillator, oxygen system and other emergency gear. The Times of Israel reported that Israel has so far avoided providing direct military aid to Kyiv including offensive arms or advanced defensive technology since Russian troops invaded Ukraine on February 24 last year, in an attempt to avoid sparking a crisis with Moscow.
The Mercedes “Sprinter” ambulance is armored by the Israeli defense company Plasan. This is the first of four ambulances that the Israel’s Ministry of Defense is expected to deliver to Ukraine in the coming months. Plasan presented the first prototype based on the Mercedes Sprinter at the Eurosatory 2022 defense exhibition that was held in Paris, France. Plasan awarded contrcat order from the Israeli Ministry of Defense’ Procurement Manager to provide four ambulances protected against gunfire. The first of the four ambulances was delivered several weeks ago, and is already assisting rescue forces in life-saving activities.
The Sprinter compartment provides a safe and flexible mobile space to carry a range of equipment and personnel. The design of the Mercedes “Sprinter” ambulance was carried out by Plasan Re’em in collaboration with Colmobil, the importer of Mercedes to Israel and Polish automotive company Zeszuta. Improved maneuverability structural reinforcements, space-frame design and high-performance suspension systems deliver an improved payload capacity with a highly stiff body structure. Weight control and load stresses are controlled throughout the manufacturing process, from the design stage, through prototyping and assembly, to final inspection and regulatory testing.
The design includes structural reinforcements and redesigned heavy duty mechanisms while maintaining low profile for covert operations. Enable automatic or manual and there are dual-propulsion options as well as special vehicles with Obrigener improvements. The short and long wheelbase variants can accommodate different designs and applications; Command and Control, SWAT, SOF and transportation. From peace keeping and civilian transportation (up to 10 persons, GVW 5.5 ton) with armored sliding side door. The wheels are integrated with a run-flat system, and the ambulance can carry five passengers including a doctor, patients, and a rescue team.
