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Estonia receives new armoured vehicles from Turkish defence industry
The Estonian Centre for Defence Investments (ECDI) has delivered nearly 50 newly acquired wheeled armoured vehicles from Turkey to the Estonian Defence Forces. Most of these vehicles, consisting of 6×6 ARMA armoured personnel carriers, have been assigned to the 2nd Infantry Brigade, while 4×4 NMS armoured vehicles will be used by combat support units in both the 1st and 2nd Infantry Brigades.
The procurement of the new vehicles was conducted in close cooperation with the Estonian Defence Forces to ensure they meet specific operational requirements. Unlike standard off-the-shelf acquisitions, these armoured vehicles were customised to Estonia’s needs, requiring only the installation of communication and other mission-specific equipment upon arrival.
Minister of Defence Hanno Pevkur highlighted the rapid enhancement of Estonia’s defence capabilities in response to changing security conditions. He emphasised that the new vehicles improve personnel safety and provide better protection, mobility, and operational effectiveness for Estonia’s defenders.
The newly acquired armoured vehicles offer enhanced protection against small arms fire, mines, and shell fragments, significantly improving the security of military personnel. Their advanced off-road capabilities provide greater mobility compared to the trucks previously used for infantry transport in the 2nd Infantry Brigade.
Each vehicle is equipped with a 12.7mm heavy machine gun, ensuring additional firepower for infantry units. Training for conscripts on the new vehicles has already begun, and the armoured personnel carriers will be used in the large-scale Siil 2025 exercise in May.
Colonel Antti Viljaste, commander of the 2nd Infantry Brigade, expressed confidence that the new vehicles would enhance Estonia’s ability to defend against any potential threats. He stated that reservists participating in the Siil exercise would also receive training on operating the new armoured platforms.
The delivery of these vehicles marks a significant milestone for Estonia’s internal security forces as well. The new 4×4 armoured vehicles will improve the capabilities of bomb disposal experts and other emergency responders operating in high-risk environments.
According to Tuuli Räim, Deputy Secretary-General for Crisis Preparedness and Civil Protection at the Ministry of the Interior, the investment of nearly €2.7 million in these armoured vehicles represents a crucial step in strengthening Estonia’s internal security. These vehicles will enable safer operations during explosive threat responses, armed incidents, and civil disturbances.
Margo Klaos, Director General of the Estonian Rescue Board, underlined the importance of these vehicles for bomb disposal teams, stating that they represent a major advancement in crisis preparedness. He noted that Estonia has never before had such protective and transport capabilities for handling hazardous situations.
The contracts for the armoured vehicles have been signed for ten years, ensuring long-term availability of spare parts, maintenance, and potential future upgrades. The agreement allows for additional purchases to meet evolving defence and security needs over the coming years.