Reporting item 26 - Savings potential of €52 million or more in the procurement of ambulance vehicles for the Armed Forces

Executive summary

The Armed Forces are planning to purchase new ambulance vehicles to replace its current aging fleet. They intend to buy 240 vehicles that are not harnessed for the medical care of soldiers in Germany.

Data on capacity utilisation covering the last three years indicate a current need for 200 new vehicles only. This number also provides for a fleet reserve. We therefore recommend reducing the procurement requirements by 40.

To harness the ambulance vehicles for operation in Germany, the Armed Forces intend to rely on the same standards as for those vehicles designed for operations abroad. Ambulance vehicles that are not harnessed for missions abroad are subject to special requirements. Equipped with advanced defence technology, each of them costs €190,000 more than vehicles with basic defence equipment.

To provide adequate medical care to soldiers in Germany, vehicles need basic harness and equipment only. Such vehicles should be procured. This will enable the Armed Forces to save at least €52 million when purchasing new ambulance vehicles.