Estonia turns to Turkey for light armoured vehicles
Estonia will expect to begin receiving NMS 4x4 vehicles in 2024. (Image: NMS)
Estonia has ordered light armoured vehicles from Turkey which will provide a substantial boost to the country’s forces at brigade level.
Estonia has ordered 4x4 and 6x6 armoured vehicles worth €200 million (US210.6 million) from two Turkish companies with first deliveries expected to arrive in 2024.
The breakdown of 230 vehicles ordered was not disclosed but vehicles included within the deal were 4x4 NMS/Yörük from Nurol Makina and 6x6 Arma from Otokar .
The new armoured vehicles will be acquired for the 2nd Infantry Brigade of the Defence Forces, which has not previously had wheeled armoured vehicles. The brigade will receive NMS and Arma vehicles, while the 1st Infantry Brigade will receive NMS vehicles. Additionally, four-wheeled armoured vehicles have been purchased for the Explosive Ordnance Disposal Centre of the Estonian Rescue Board.
The contract included the vehicles, documentation, training, special tools and equipment, and spare parts. These contracts can also be used to request services for the maintenance, repairs and development of the vehicles.
The contract featured an option for additional vehicles which would be adapted to the specific needs of the Estonian defence forces, and certified for protection against both small arms fire and mine blasts. The vehicles will be equipped with a smoke grenade launcher and a 12.7mm heavy machine gun mounted on the roof turret.
Alongside the order, Estonian Minister of Defence Hanno Pevkur and Turkish Minister of Defence Yaşar Güler signed a Letter of Intent, establishing the basis for defence industry cooperation between the two countries.
Additionally, an agreement for cooperation was signed between the Estonian Centre for Defence Investments and the Turkish Defence Industry Agency to ensure secure supplies of armoured vehicle-related materials and services, as well as the joint organisation of training and development activities.
Shephard Defence Insight noted a unit price for NMS of $500,000 and vehicles have been in service with Qatar, Chad and possibly Hungary.
Shephard Defence Insight also noted a unit price of $884,000 for Arma, which has provided protection against ballistic and mine threats by means of a monocoque V-shaped high-hardness steel hull.
More from Land Warfare
-
![DVD 2026: British Army’s Ajax back in the hands of users as part of a gradual return]()
DVD 2026: British Army’s Ajax back in the hands of users as part of a gradual return
The introduction of Ajax vehicles into British Army service was stopped after operator health issues were reported during an exercise, but manufacturer General Dynamics Land Systems UK believes work over the past 10 months has dealt with the problems.
-
![Europe commits to long-range fires but countries move in different directions]()
Europe commits to long-range fires but countries move in different directions
Sweden, Croatia and France are pursuing different rocket artillery solutions as European armies seek greater reach, survivability and industrial resilience.
-
![MAAF to test Britain’s shift from armour to distributed lethality in Estonia]()
MAAF to test Britain’s shift from armour to distributed lethality in Estonia
The bilateral agreement between the UK and Estonia comes as both countries explore how dispersed troops, drones, digital targeting, anti-tank weapons and increasingly long-range fires can complement the combat mass traditionally provided by heavy armour.
