War in Ukraine: Belgium sends two mobile labs and underwater robots
Defense is preparing to send two mobile medical laboratories and several high-tech underwater robots to Ukraine, Defense Minister Ludivine Dedonder announced on Friday from Melsbroek airport, where this will depart.
The medical labs are set up in vans so that they can be moved around easily. Standard medical tests can be carried out in each of them: blood, urine or saliva but also infection monitoring or PCR tests useful for detecting covid-19 or the flu. “The mobile labs have the capacity of a classic diagnostic laboratory but in a reduced format. In Ukraine, laboratories have been destroyed, the possibility of carrying out diagnostic tests has been lost or is no longer operational. With these mobile labs , we can offer new capacity”, explained Major Frans T’Sas.
Underwater robots will mainly be used to control ports and coasts. These devices can detect objects, inspect ship hulls or even neutralize mines and other explosive devices. The two mobile laboratories will be transported to Ukraine within three weeks. Robots are sent in stages. For the month of May, they should be fully functional. Staff trainings are provided in addition to the equipment.
The Council of Ministers also approved on Friday, on the proposal of Foreign Minister Hadja Lahbib, a B-Fast mission in Ukraine to help the country cope with the humanitarian consequences of the war. It responds to requests made by the Ukrainian authorities to EU Member States via the European Civil Protection Mechanism (UPCM).
Generators, sleeping bags, first aid kits and food will be purchased and donated to Ukraine. Two B-Fast partners supplemented this aid with the supply of equipment for the country’s electrical infrastructure and additional IT equipment.