– This delivery is an important step also from a health and environmental perspective. Now the Air Force receives a modern rescue vehicle that also enables a complete transition to PFAS-free extinguishing. Thanks to a very good collaboration with everyone involved at FMV, the Swedish Armed Forces, and the supplier, we can begin the delivery ahead of schedule, says Henrik Troedsson, Head of Air Base Systems at FMV.
The work to replace the old rescue vehicles began as early as 2020, and in connection with this, the Air Force decided to use only PFAS-free extinguishing agents in the new vehicles. Historically, PFAS contamination from extinguishing agents and firefighting foam has been a significant problem.
The new rescue vehicles will serve as modern additions to the Air Force's existing rescue vehicles and will primarily be used in major accidents. The supplier of the vehicles is Rosenbauer International AG from Austria. The agreement also includes maintenance, spare parts, and technical support. There is also an option for an additional 22 vehicles.
– We need a new modern rescue vehicle for the Air Force, and now we finally have it. We take great responsibility and have set high demands on this delivery. The rescue vehicles will be an important addition to the Air Force's operations and at the same time good for the environment, says Deputy Air Force Chief Tommy Petersson on the Swedish Armed Forces' website.
Before the delivery, FMV conducts verification and inspection of the vehicles through its test and evaluation programme. The remaining delivery of the remaining vehicles is expected to take place during 2023. This will mean that the Air Force's current rescue vehicles of the same type, which have reached the end of their technical lifespan, will be replaced by the new vehicles.