MOD seeks industry input on next-generation medical evacuation system

The UK Ministry of Defence (MOD) is exploring options for a new Air Transportable Isolator (ATI), a specialist system used to move patients with highly infectious diseases by air while protecting medical staff, aircrew and the public.

The department has launched a request for information (RFI) to understand what products and technologies are available before deciding whether to launch a future competition.

The work is being carried out through UK Defence Innovation and follows an earlier market engagement exercise carried out in 2021. The aim is to identify companies with existing ATI products or designs that could be developed further.

What is an Air Transportable Isolator?

An ATI is a sealed isolation system that allows patients with serious infectious diseases to be transported safely over long distances. It is operated by the Deployable Air Isolator Team (DAIT), a joint MOD and Department of Health and Social Care team.

The UK has maintained this type of capability for more than 40 years. In that time, DAIT has been used to transport patients with High Consequence Infectious Disease (HCID) – including Ebola – back to specialist treatment facilities in the UK.

What does the MOD want from a new system?

The MOD says the future ATI must be able to transport patients with HCID, including “Level 4 biological threats… requiring full isolation.”

It also needs to be a “current Royal Air Force strategic fixed wing aircraft (with potential for future airframes and NATO partner platforms) with onward ground transfer via specialist ambulatory systems.”

The RFI states, “Defence requires a resilient, assured and interoperable next-generation Strategic ATI to maintain interoperability with NHS, improve and update military equipment and to enhance supply chain resilience.” 

Other requirements include:

• Able to deal with Level 4 biological threats.
• Able to contain Level 4 pathogens at all times.
• Allow the use of ventilators, patient monitors and other medical equipment during transport.
• Allow patients to be transferred directly from aircraft into NHS High Level Isolation Units.
• Be able to operate for a minimum of 48 hours.

What it means for SMEs

The opportunity is likely to be relevant to SMEs working in medical technology, infection control, aerospace engineering, patient transport, life-support equipment and specialist healthcare systems.

While it’s not yet a procurement, it offers early visibility of a future requirement and gives suppliers a chance to help shape the MOD’s understanding of the market.

Responses to the RFI must be submitted by 14 December 2026.