Estonia strengthens 2nd Infantry Brigade with first Turkish-made Otokar Arma 6x6 and Nurol Makina NMS 4x4 armored vehicles.

On March 11, 2025, the Estonian Defence Investment Centre delivered nearly 50 Turkish wheeled armored vehicles to the 2nd Infantry Brigade. The majority are Arma 6x6 armored vehicles designated for infantry units, while NMS 4×4 armored vehicles were allocated to combat support units in both the 1st and 2nd Infantry Brigades. A smaller number of 4×4 armored vehicles were also procured for the Rescue Board. The first vehicles arrived in Estonia at the end of 2024, and conscripts of the 2nd Infantry Brigade have begun training with them, with their deployment planned for the major exercise Siil in May. All ordered vehicles are expected to be delivered by the end of 2025.
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Türkiye will deliver a total of 130 Otokar Arma 6x6 armored personnel carriers (APCs) and 100 Nurol Makina NMS 4x4 tactical vehicles to Estonia, which will be deployed across the Estonian Defense Forces (EDF) and internal security agencies. (Picture source: Estonian MoD)

Estonia has received a new fleet of armored vehicles from Türkiye as part of its military and security modernization efforts, which also include the procurement of French Caesar self-propelled howitzers, as well as the development of its first missile, the Mark 1, to counter drones. The procurement includes 130 Otokar Arma 6x6 armored personnel carriers (APCs) and 100 Nurol Makina NMS 4x4 tactical vehicles, which will be deployed across the Estonian Defense Forces (EDF) and internal security agencies. The 2nd Infantry Brigade, which previously lacked wheeled armored vehicles, will be the primary recipient, while additional units will be assigned to the 1st Infantry Brigade and the Estonian Rescue Board’s Explosive Ordnance Disposal Centre. The purchase was part of a broader €200 million agreement signed between Estonia and Türkiye on October 18, 2023, which includes long-term logistics support and training.

The contract for these vehicles was structured to allow Estonia to procure additional units and spare parts over a ten-year period. Deliveries began in late 2024, with the first batch arriving in Estonia for integration into operational units. Estonia’s decision to acquire Turkish-made armored vehicles followed an international competition in which the Arma 6x6 and NMS 4x4 were selected based on their ability to meet the EDF’s operational requirements. According to the agreement, all vehicles should be delivered by the end of 2025.

On June 28, 2024, Estonian President Alar Karis, along with Estonian Ambassador to Ankara Väino Reinart and Turkish Ambassador to Tallinn Başak Türkoğlu, visited the Nurol Makina production facility to inspect the NMS 4x4 vehicles being manufactured for Estonia. During this visit, Karis met with key representatives from Türkiye’s defense industry, including Vice President of Defense Industry Mustafa Murat Şeker, Nurol Holding executives, and Nurol Makina CEO Engin Aykol. Discussions focused on production timelines and the security environment in the Baltic region. Karis emphasized that the security situation required timely deliveries to ensure that the new equipment could be integrated into Estonia’s defense framework without delay.

The new armored vehicles are intended to enhance the protection and mobility of Estonia’s military units. The 2nd Infantry Brigade will transition from using unarmored transport trucks to Arma 6x6 and NMS 4x4 vehicles, which provide armored protection against small arms fire, mine explosions, and artillery fragmentation. Each vehicle is equipped with a 12.7mm heavy machine gun mounted in a remote weapon station. Estonian Defense Minister Hanno Pevkur stated that the procurement aligns with efforts to strengthen national defense capabilities in response to changes in the regional security landscape.

In addition to military applications, four NMS 4x4 vehicles were allocated to the Estonian Rescue Board for use by its Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) teams. These vehicles will also be available for operations by the Police and Border Guard Board and the Internal Security Service. According to Tuuli Räim, Deputy Secretary General for Crisis Preparedness and Civil Protection at the Ministry of the Interior, the vehicles will be used in high-risk scenarios, including explosive ordnance disposal, riot control, and situations involving armed resistance. The government allocated €2.7 million for these units, which are intended to improve mobility and personnel safety in hazardous environments.

Estonia selected the Arma 6x6 after assessing its operational use in other armed forces, including those of Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates. (Picture source: Estonian MoD)

The Otokar Arma 6x6 is an amphibious wheeled armored personnel carrier with an 18,500 kg combat weight. It features a monocoque steel hull designed to accommodate modular armor protection against ballistic threats and mines. The vehicle is powered by a 450 hp water-cooled turbo diesel engine, allowing it to reach speeds of 105 km/h on land and 8 km/h in water using twin hydraulically driven propellers. It is equipped with a fully independent hydro-pneumatic suspension system, run-flat tires, and a central tire inflation system to support mobility across different terrains.

The Arma 6x6 can be configured for multiple roles, including command post, reconnaissance, infantry fighting, and anti-tank operations. Its modular design allows for the integration of various weapon systems, including remote-controlled turrets armed with 12.7mm machine guns, 30mm autocannons, or anti-tank guided missiles. The vehicle can be transported by air, sea, and land, fitting within C-130 aircraft or larger transport planes. Estonia selected the Arma 6x6 after assessing its operational use in other armed forces, including those of Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates.

On October 18, 2023, Otokar was awarded a €130 million contract by Estonia for the Arma 6x6 procurement. This agreement includes maintenance, training, and logistical support, with deliveries scheduled through 2025. The contract 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 Arma 6x6 was chosen based on its ability to meet NATO standards and its adaptability to the operational requirements of the Estonian Defense Forces.

Estonia’s acquisition of the NMS 4x4 is intended to support both military and internal security functions, providing a platform that can be fitted with different remote-controlled weapon stations, including machine guns, automatic grenade launchers, and anti-tank guided missile systems. (Picture source: Estonian MoD)

The Nurol Makina NMS 4x4, also referred to as the Yörük 4x4, is a tactical light armored vehicle with a V-shaped monocoque hull. It features scalable composite armor for ballistic, mine, and improvised explosive device (IED) protection. The vehicle is powered by a 300 hp diesel engine, enabling it to reach a top speed of 140 km/h with a range of 700 km. It is designed for high mobility and can traverse water up to 90 cm deep, climb 70% gradients, cross 0.9 m trenches, and withstand side slopes of 40%.

The NMS 4x4 is designed for multiple operational roles, including personnel transport, reconnaissance, air defense, and anti-tank operations. An extended wheelbase version (NMS EWB) increases interior space and payload capacity, allowing for specialized configurations such as command and control, medical evacuation, and reconnaissance. It can be fitted with different remote-controlled weapon stations, including machine guns, automatic grenade launchers, and anti-tank guided missile systems. The vehicle’s modular armor configuration allows for different levels of protection based on mission requirements.

Nurol Makina has delivered more than 1,700 armored vehicles to over 20 countries. During his visit to Nurol Makina, President Karis stated that Türkiye’s defense industry has played a significant role in modern military operations and noted that the security environment in the Baltic region required investment in additional capabilities. Estonia’s acquisition of the NMS 4x4 is intended to support both military and internal security functions, providing a platform that can be adapted for different operational needs.