As reported by Marcin Cichy on January 25, 2025, Estonia is set to receive a total of 230 Turkish-made armored vehicles, including 100 Nurol Makina NMS 4×4 tactical vehicles and 130 Otokar Arma 6×6 armored personnel carriers (APCs). The overall Estonian procurement agreement, valued at approximately €200 million, was finalized on October 18, 2023, covering the establishment of a long-term cooperation between Estonia and Türkiye in the defense sector, including training and logistics support.
The vehicles will be deployed within the 2nd Infantry Brigade of the Estonian Defense Forces, which previously lacked wheeled armored vehicles. Additional units will be assigned to the 1st Infantry Brigade and the Explosive Ordnance Disposal Centre of the Estonian Rescue Board. Estonian President Alar Karis visited Nurol Makina’s facilities on June 28, 2024, accompanied by Estonian Ambassador to Ankara Väino Reinart and Turkish Ambassador to Tallinn Başak Türkoğlu.
During his visit, Karis met with Turkish Vice President of Defense Industry Mustafa Murat Şeker, Nurol Holding Vice President Oğuz Çarmıklı, Nurol Holding Board Member Gürol Çarmıklı, and Nurol Makina CEO Engin Aykol. The delegation inspected the Yörük 4X4, internationally recognized as the NMS 4X4, which was developed for Estonia. Karis emphasized the importance of timely deliveries given the security situation, stating that Estonia selected Nurol Makina based on its ability to meet requirements within the required timeframe.
Karis noted that Turkish armored vehicles have been used in combat and referenced Türkiye’s role in modern military operations. He also stated that the conflict in Ukraine has highlighted the need for increasing allied defense industry capacity. Aykol stated that Nurol Makina has supplied over 1,700 armored vehicles to more than 20 countries. In a separate development, Estonia awarded a €130 million contract to Otokar on October 18, 2023, for the procurement of Arma 6×6 APCs.
The contract includes maintenance equipment and training, with deliveries scheduled between late 2024 and 2025. The agreement was signed by Magnus Valdemar Saar, Director General of the Estonian Centre for Defense Investment (ECDI), and Sedef Vehbi, Otokar Military Cluster Head, in the presence of Estonian and Turkish defense ministers. The selection of the Arma 6×6 followed an international competition, with Estonia’s Defense Forces determining it as the most suitable option for their needs.