Johanniter and Bundeswehr Agree on Privileged Partnership

Berlin – Johanniter-Unfall-Hilfe (JUH) and Malteser Hilfsdienst (MHD) have formalized an intention to establish a privileged partnership with the Bundeswehr's Central Medical Service. The agreement was signed during the "Medic Quadriga 2026" medical exercise, which tests the entire rescue chain from deployed casualty care to hospital admission.

As part of the exercise, Johanniter deployed five ambulances from its newly established "Wounded Transport Component 100" (VTpK-JUH100) with qualified personnel. This component, comprising 100 vehicles nationwide, is designed to quickly transport wounded individuals to appropriate treatment facilities within Germany, thereby supporting national patient management. The vehicles, primarily staffed by volunteers, can be made available for up to three months.

The letter of intent paves the way for future public-law agreements between the civilian aid organizations and the Bundeswehr. These agreements will regulate the specifics of their cooperation, including responsibilities, financing, and data protection. The overarching goal is to deepen civil-military collaboration and enhance national preparedness in medical services and patient coordination.

General Dr. Ralf Hoffmann, Commander of the Bundeswehr's Central Medical Service, highlighted the critical importance of reliable civilian support in defense scenarios amid current security challenges. Oliver Meermann, board member of Johanniter-Unfall-Hilfe, affirmed the organization's commitment to national security and the pragmatic integration of civilian aid into state crisis and defense planning, while upholding humanitarian values and volunteerism.