Estonia to strengthen its infantry brigades with 230 new Turkish-made NMS 4x4 and Arma 6x6 armored vehicles.

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 4x4 tactical vehicles and 130 Otokar Arma 6x6 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.
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Estonia will receive a total of 230 Turkish-made vehicles, including 130 Otokar Arma 6x6 armored personnel carriers (left) and 100 Nurol Makina NMS 4x4 tactical vehicles (right) to equip two infantry brigades. (Picture source: Estonian MoD)

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 6x6 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 6x6 followed an international competition, with Estonia’s Defense Forces determining it as the most suitable option for their needs.

The Otokar Arma 6x6 is a Turkish amphibious wheeled armored personnel carrier with an 18,500 kg combat weight, designed with a monocoque steel hull for modular ballistic and mine protection. It accommodates a crew of two plus eight passengers. The vehicle is powered by a 450 hp water-cooled turbo diesel engine, reaching a maximum speed of 105 km/h on land and 8 km/h in water using twin hydraulically driven propellers. It features an independent hydro-pneumatic suspension, run-flat tires, and a central tire inflation system. The Arma 6x6 is configurable with various weapon systems, including a 12.7 mm machine gun, 30 mm autocannon, 40 mm automatic grenade launcher, or anti-tank missile launcher. It is air-transportable by C-130 and larger aircraft and is currently in service with Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates, and Estonia. It is used in multiple roles, including as an infantry fighting vehicle, command post, reconnaissance vehicle, and CBRN reconnaissance platform.

The Nurol Makina NMS 4x4, also known as Yörük 4x4, is a tactical light armored vehicle designed for military and law enforcement use. It features a V-shaped monocoque body and scalable composite armor, providing ballistic, mine, and IED protection. The vehicle is powered by a 300-horsepower diesel engine, achieving a top speed of 140 km/h and a range of 700 km. It is capable of fording up to 90 cm, climbing 70% gradients, crossing 0.9 m trenches, and withstanding side slopes of 40%. The NMS 4x4 is available in multiple configurations, including personnel carrier, air defense, anti-tank missile platform, reconnaissance, and radar vehicle, with integration options for remote weapon stations and battlefield systems. The extended wheelbase variant increases interior space and payload capacity. Designed for operations in high-intensity conflict environments, the vehicle is in service in multiple countries and is adaptable to different mission requirements.