Estonia receives a new batch of 50 Turkish Arma armoured vehicles and NMS armoured vehicles

By: Mykhailo Stoliar | 12.03.2025, 17:03
Estonia is modernising its army: introduction to the new NMS armoured vehicle NMS armoured vehicle of the Estonian Defence Forces. Source: RKIK

The Estonian Defence Forces have received a batch of Turkish-made armoured vehicles: Arma 6×6 wheeled armoured personnel carriers and NMS 4×4 armoured vehicles.

Here's What We Know

The State Defence Investment Centre (RKIK) reported that Estonia has received almost 50 armoured vehicles under a contract signed in October 2023. In total, the country has ordered 130 Otokar Arma 6×6 armoured personnel carriers and 100 Nurol Makina NMS 4×4 armoured vehicles.

It has been reported that the Arma 6×6 will be used by infantry units, while the NMS 4×4 will be used by combat support units of the 1st and 2nd Infantry Brigades. These vehicles are equipped with 12.7 mm heavy machine guns and have improved protection against small arms, mine fragments and shells.

Arma 6×6 armoured personnel carriers and NMS armoured vehicles for the Estonian Defence Forces
Arma 6×6 armoured personnel carriers and NMS armoured vehicles for the Estonian Defence Forces. Illustration: RKIK

The first batch of armoured vehicles arrived at the end of 2024. The recruits of the 2nd Infantry Brigade have already started training, and in May they will use these vehicles in the large-scale Siil exercise.

All the ordered armoured vehicles are expected to arrive in Estonia by the end of 2025. The Ministry of the Interior will also receive four 4×4 NMS for the sappers of the Rescue Department's Demining Centre. The contracts will reportedly be valid for 10 years and provide for the possibility of additional purchases, maintenance and upgrades.

Source: RKIK