Siemens and Lufthansa Technik Are Developing a Patient Transport Train

Railway Technology Siemens and Lufthansa Technik Are Developing a Patient Transport Train

2026-11-05 From Stefanie Eckardt | Translated by AI 2 min Reading Time

Siemens and Lufthansa Technik Defense are jointly planning a patient transport train for military evacuations and civilian disaster response. Both companies signed a memorandum of understanding to that effect at the Berlin Security Conference.

Siemens and Lufthansa Technik Defense are jointly planning a patient transport train based on Vectron X locomotives and Vectouro passenger cars, designed for military evacuations and civilian disaster relief.(Image: Siemens Mobility) — Siemens and Lufthansa Technik Defense are jointly planning a patient transport train based on Vectron X locomotives and Vectouro passenger cars, designed for military evacuations and civilian disaster relief.
(Image: Siemens Mobility)

The planned train is designed to transport more than 150 injured or ill passengers and provide them with medical care during the journey—including patients requiring intensive care. The partners intend to develop it in Germany for the German Armed Forces and their NATO allies. The train consists of Vectouro passenger cars from Siemens, which are combined with a Siemens Vectron X or X Dual Mode locomotive. Lufthansa Technik Defense is equipping the cars with systems for stretchers and fully equipped intensive care beds. The train also offers space for up to 90 medical and support personnel.

Proven Technology

Medical technology for trains has already proven itself in aviation: The German Air Force and other armed forces have been using Lufthansa Technik’s AeroMEDICAL Solutions for decades. Among other things, this technology transforms the Bundeswehr’s A400M into a “flying intensive care unit.” The same standardized systems are also to be installed on trains, so that patients do not have to be transferred when switching between different modes of transportation. The cars can be flexibly equipped and reconfigured depending on the mission and care requirements—ranging from basic medical care to intensive care.

Train Configuration for Cross-Border Operations

Vectron X locomotives and Vectouro passenger cars are designed for cross-border service. Thanks to their pressure-tight construction, the cars are also suitable for high-speed routes. This will enable the train to transport patients safely and quickly on Europe’s major rail routes without the need to change vehicles at the borders. Combining them with a Vectron X Dual Mode locomotive—which can run on both electric and diesel power—provides additional flexibility. This ensures the train remains operational even on non-electrified routes or in the event of an overhead line failure.

Flexibility in Switching between Civilian Passenger Transport and Patient Evacuation

A key advantage of the concept is its versatility, allowing it to be converted between civilian passenger service and patient evacuation. This improves vehicle utilization and increases their cost-effectiveness over their entire life cycle. The trains are designed for more than 30 years of service and can be modernized and adapted to new requirements during that time.

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Date: 08.12.2025

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