South Korea develops new medical evacuation vehicle

The AMEV is developed jointly by DAPA and Hyundai Rotem for frontline casualty treatment and protected evacuation operations. (Hyundai Rotem)

South Korea's Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA), in collaboration with Hyundai Rotem, has completed system development of a new armoured medical evacuation vehicle (AMEV), the agency announced on 31 August.

The system-development programme ran from 2024 to 2026 and had a budget of approximately KRW14.5 billion (USD10.7 million). DAPA said it is preparing for serial production but did not disclose planned quantities or a delivery schedule.

Hyundai Rotem said on 1 September that it completed the entire development process, including design, prototype production, and testing and evaluation, using domestic technology during the approximately two-year programme.

The company said the vehicle can accommodate up to six ambulatory patients or four stretcher patients, while carrying two medical personnel.

According to DAPA, the vehicle is equipped with medical systems including a patient-stretcher transport system, oxygen supply equipment, and an automated external defibrillator (AED). These systems enable medical personnel to administer emergency treatment while the vehicle is moving.

To protect against chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) threats, the vehicle also features a positive-pressure system. This maintains cabin pressure above ambient levels, preventing contaminated outside air from entering, DAPA said.

The agency added that the vehicle could also support civilian casualty evacuation during disasters in areas inaccessible to conventional ambulances.

DAPA said the AMEV's mobility and protection enable it to operate close to frontline units, facilitating “rapid” emergency treatment and casualty evacuation within the battlefield's ‘golden hour'. The ‘golden hour' generally refers to the first 60 minutes following a battlefield injury, during which timely medical treatment can improve survivability and reduce the risk of severe complications. DAPA did not disclose the vehicle's performance specifications.