The Estonian Defence Investment Centre has delivered close to fifty newly acquired wheeled armoured vehicles from Türkiye to the Estonian Defence Forces (EDF).
The majority of these vehicles are 6×6 ARMA armoured combat vehicles manufactured by Otokar and intended for use by infantry forces. Additionally, the EDF received 4×4 NMS tactical armoured vehicles built by Nurol Makina and designated for combat support units. A small number of 4×4 armoured vehicles was also procured for the Estonian Rescue Board.
“While often ready-made solutions are purchased as off-the-shelf products for weapon systems, in the case of these armoured vehicles, the needs of the Estonian Defence Forces were already taken into account during the design of their interior and exterior. In essence, machines that are adapted to our wishes and practically ready for use are rolling off the production line of the Turkish company. Only communications equipment and other equipment remain to be installed in Estonia,” said Marek Mardo, Category Manager for Air, Water and Combat Vehicles at the State Defence Investment Centre (RKIK).
The latest armoured vehicles will provide enhanced protection for the EDF against small arms fire, as well as against mine and shell fragments. Additionally, the manoeuvrability of the units will be enhanced, given that these armoured vehicles possess superior cross-country capabilities compared to the vehicles previously utilized for transporting infantry units. Furthermore, these armoured vehicles are equipped with a 12.7mm heavy machine gun.
“I am very pleased that our soldiers are much better protected in the new armoured vehicles and are therefore more capable of performing their duties. The training of conscripts has started very successfully, and we are also expecting our reservists to participate in the major exercise Siil so that they can also learn how to use the new armoured vehicles. I am confident that the armoured vehicles and other capabilities acquired for the 2nd Infantry Brigade, as well as other units of the Defence Forces, will enable us to successfully defend Estonia against enemies,” said Colonel Antti Viljaste, Commander of the 2nd Infantry Brigade.
