foto: Saab, Public domain/Saab: Deployable Healthcare
At the IDET 2025 trade fair in Brno, Swedish company Saab presented an innovative system of modular field hospitals. The system enables the rapid deployment of medical facilities, from basic first aid stations to fully equipped hospitals.
"A field hospital is actually like a big LEGO set, only instead of colorful bricks, we put together containers and tents. We can stick to pre-determined plans or let our imagination run wild and build a hospital exactly according to the current situation, location, and task. And just like building with LEGO, building a field hospital requires a certain amount of practice and skill," said the Military Medical Agency, explaining the principle of modern field hospitals during one of the exercises in 2024. On another occasion, it used a different comparison: "Our field hospital is like a lunch menu. We can serve a light version, but also a five-course version. When it comes to time and capacity, we choose mobile equipment for X-rays or ultrasounds and settle for basic tests in the laboratory. When we have time and suitable conditions, we can use much more sophisticated equipment that is ready in containers."
Flexibility and mobility as the key to survival
Military healthcare faces demanding requirements: equipment must be lightweight, easily transportable, and resistant to extreme conditions, including ballistic attacks. The modern modular hospitals presented by Saab at IDET 2025 are designed to be transported close to the front line, whether by land, helicopter, or aircraft. The systems are equipped with advanced technologies such as camouflage materials and special attack-resistant structures, which increase the safety of both staff and patients. Erik Jonker, Saab's mobile healthcare expert, emphasized the need for a holistic approach: "Modern healthcare must be not only flexible but also comprehensive. Instead of individual products, we need systems that take all aspects into account – from planning and logistics to maintenance." This approach allows armies to use resources efficiently and respond quickly to crisis situations, which is particularly important in conflicts with dynamic front lines, such as the war in Ukraine.
Modular system for different levels of care
Unlike civilian hospitals, where the number of beds is a key parameter, military hospitals emphasize the speed and efficiency of stabilizing the wounded. Saab offers a range of modules that can be combined according to the specific needs of the mission. The smallest unit, the Forward Resuscitation Capacity (FRC), is stored in three backpacks weighing 30 kg each – they contain a tent, medical equipment, and medicines. This system can be set up in a matter of minutes and is designed so that medics can unpack the equipment in the correct order according to the type of injury. For more advanced care, Saab offers Role 2 and Role 3 hospitals, which include operating rooms, intensive care units, and diagnostic equipment such as X-rays or CT scanners.
These modules enable complex surgical procedures to be performed directly in the theater of operations. In addition, Saab provides a strategic evacuation solution (STRATEVAC) that ensures the transport of critically injured personnel to Role 4 facilities, usually in their home country. Each module is autonomous but fully interoperable, facilitating cooperation between NATO armies. Interoperability is crucial in the European context. "Currently, there are no uniform standards for military medical systems, which complicates cooperation," says Jonker. Saab is therefore actively promoting standardization and working with the NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA) to ensure that systems are compatible with the needs of different armies.
The first 10 minutes are critical
Time is of the essence in combat. The NATO 10-1-2 doctrine stipulates that first aid must be provided within 10 minutes of injury, pre-hospital care within one hour, and surgical intervention within two hours. Inadequate first aid, as confirmed by the conflict in Ukraine, leads to high mortality rates. The Russian army has been criticized for poor training of soldiers in first aid and slow transport of the wounded. Saab's systems prevent such problems by rapidly deploying lightweight and compact devices that allow immediate stabilization of the wounded directly on the battlefield. For example, the FRC is designed to allow medics to quickly stop bleeding or secure airways, dramatically increasing the injured person's chances of survival.
Comprehensive solutions and outsourcing
Saab offers a comprehensive service package that includes planning, construction, equipment delivery, logistics, storage, and maintenance. This approach makes things easier for armies, which often lack the capacity to manage complex logistics. A notable example is the JP2060 project for the Australian Armed Forces, in which Saab is supplying 550 modules – from pharmacies and operating rooms to sanitary facilities and mobile blood banks. These modules can be used to build up to 30 hospitals of various sizes, including those that meet NATO's Role 3 standard, which can handle complex surgical procedures. Saab not only supplies the equipment, but also maintains, cleans, and updates it after each mission. This "one-stop-shop" model minimizes the logistical burden on the military and ensures that soldiers always have access to state-of-the-art care.
Innovation for the future
Military healthcare is evolving rapidly, so equipment needs to be updated regularly. Saab collaborates with partners such as an American company that manufactures lightweight operating tables that can be assembled in one minute. Such innovations save time and increase efficiency. Another innovation is smart bandages that monitor soldiers' vital signs and provide medics with important data during treatment. Mobile blood banks allow blood to be donated directly on the battlefield, which is another step towards improving care in crisis situations. These technologies not only improve medical care, but also boost the morale of soldiers, who expect to receive care comparable to civilian standards in the event of injury. "Every minute saved during deployment or treatment can save a life," Jonker emphasizes. Saab is therefore investing in development that combines technical innovation with the practical needs of medical personnel and engineers.
Saab's modular field hospitals represent a revolution in military healthcare. Thanks to their flexibility, speed of deployment, and comprehensive approach, they provide fast and effective care that increases soldiers' chances of survival. Outsourcing these services to external suppliers such as Saab allows armies to focus on their core mission—ensuring security. In an era of increasingly complex conflicts and the need for interoperability, such solutions are essential for the future of military healthcare.
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