Nurol Makina's new NMS-L 4x4 armored vehicle attracts attention at FEINDEF 2025 as Türkiye expands defense ties with Europe.

The Turkish company Nurol Makina marked its first participation in Spain’s FEINDEF defense and security exhibition by showcasing its latest development, the NMS-L 4x4 tactical light armored vehicle. The company presented this vehicle as part of a broader effort to expand its footprint in the European defense market. In an interview with Army Recognition, Emere Akin, Nurol Makina’s Chief Operating Officer for Europe, confirmed that the NMS-L is already in service with one customer, though the specific nation was not named.
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The NMS-L builds upon the success of the NMS 4x4 and is built around a modular architecture with scalable armor configurations made from composite materials, allowing it to be tailored to specific threat environments. (Picture source: Army Recognition)

Akin emphasized that the vehicle’s design prioritizes deployability, highlighting its gross vehicle weight of approximately 10 tons and its compatibility with helicopter transport, such as sling-loading under a CH-47 Chinook. This makes the NMS-L well-suited for rapid deployment missions requiring strategic mobility. Akin also underlined that the company has delivered nearly 2,000 armored vehicles to 20 user countries within the last six to seven years, reflecting the rapid growth of Nurol Makina’s operations and the rising international demand for Turkish wheeled armored platforms.

A major example of this international outreach is Estonia, which recently received a customized batch of Nurol Makina NMS 4x4 vehicles. According to Akin, Estonia did not procure standard models but instead requested heavily modified variants equipped with advanced anti-armor capabilities. These modifications were developed and integrated into the production process on schedule, with all vehicles delivered in approximately one year. Estonia’s acquisition is part of a broader €200 million agreement signed with Türkiye on October 18, 2023, under which Türkiye will deliver a total of 130 Otokar Arma 6x6 armored personnel carriers and 100 Nurol Makina NMS 4x4 tactical vehicles.

The contract includes options for spare parts and additional units over a ten-year period, as well as training and logistics support. Deliveries began in late 2024, with full delivery expected by the end of 2025. On March 11, 2025, nearly 50 of these Turkish-made armored vehicles were handed over to the Estonian 2nd Infantry Brigade by the Estonian Defence Investment Centre. The Arma 6x6 vehicles were designated for frontline infantry use, while the NMS 4x4 vehicles were allocated to combat support roles within both the 1st and 2nd Brigades. Four NMS 4x4 vehicles were also allocated to the Estonian Rescue Board for use in explosive ordnance disposal operations, and conscripts have already begun training ahead of the Siil exercise scheduled for May.

Estonia did not procure standard NMS models but heavily modified variants, equipped with features such as advanced anti-armor capabilities. These modifications were developed and integrated into the production process on schedule, with all vehicles delivered in approximately one year. (Picture source: Estonian MoD)

The importance of this procurement was underscored by a high-level visit on June 28, 2024, when Estonian President Alar Karis, accompanied by 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 destined for Estonia. During this visit, Karis met with Vice President of Defense Industry Mustafa Murat Şeker, Nurol Holding executives, and Nurol Makina CEO Engin Aykol. Discussions focused on production timelines and regional security dynamics.

Karis emphasized the urgent need for timely delivery given the deteriorating security environment in the Baltic region, signaling that Estonia’s investment in armored mobility was directly tied to contemporary defense planning. Estonian Defense Minister Hanno Pevkur also stressed that the acquisition would allow the 2nd Infantry Brigade, which previously lacked wheeled armored vehicles, to transition from unarmored trucks to modern platforms offering protection against small arms fire, artillery shrapnel, and mine blasts. All NMS 4x4 units are equipped with 12.7mm heavy machine guns mounted in remote-controlled weapon stations.

The Estonian Ministry of the Interior confirmed that the four NMS 4x4 units assigned to the Rescue Board would also be available for use by the Police and Border Guard Board and the Internal Security Service. Deputy Secretary General Tuuli Räim stated that these vehicles would be used in high-risk scenarios such as explosive ordnance disposal, riot control, and countering armed threats. The government allocated €2.7 million for these four vehicles, prioritizing enhanced mobility and crew safety in hazardous domestic environments. Estonia’s choice to procure Turkish armored vehicles followed an international competition in which both the Arma 6x6 and NMS 4x4 met the Estonian Defense Forces’ technical and operational requirements. The platforms were chosen for their modularity, survivability, and ability to operate in varied climate and terrain conditions. The agreement also reflects Estonia’s long-term commitment to improving both its military and internal security capabilities through high-mobility and protected platforms.

Operational across a temperature range from -32°C to +55°C, the NMS-L is well suited for deployment in a wide spectrum of climates, including Arctic, desert, and tropical environments. (Picture source: Nurol Makina)

The NMS 4x4, also known as the Yörük, is a tactical light armored vehicle with a V-shaped monocoque hull and modular composite armor scalable to NATO STANAG 4569 levels. It is powered by a 300 hp diesel engine and reaches speeds of up to 140 km/h with an operational range of 700 km. The vehicle can traverse water up to 90 cm deep, negotiate 0.9-meter-wide trenches, climb vertical obstacles of 0.5 meters, and ascend gradients up to 70%, maintaining lateral stability on 40% side slopes. It supports a crew of five and can be outfitted with various weapon stations, including anti-tank guided missiles, automatic grenade launchers, and heavy machine guns. An extended wheelbase version, the NMS EWB, is available for specialized roles including medical evacuation and battlefield command. The NMS 4x4’s versatility and protection profile make it suitable for both conventional battlefield operations and internal security missions.

The NMS-L builds upon the success of the NMS 4x4 and is marketed as a multi-role platform capable of adapting to diverse operational requirements. The vehicle is designed around a modular architecture with scalable armor configurations made from composite materials, allowing it to be tailored to specific threat environments. The NMS-L meets NATO ballistic and mine protection standards and includes a fully independent suspension system to enhance off-road performance and crew comfort. It accommodates up to five personnel, with four side doors and a rear door facilitating rapid ingress and egress. Operational across a temperature range from -32°C to +55°C, the NMS-L is well suited for deployment in a wide spectrum of climates, including Arctic, desert, and tropical environments. Runflat tires and a Central Tire Inflation System enable continued mobility after tire damage and optimize traction on varied terrain.

The NMS-L supports a wide array of optional systems, including manual or remote-controlled weapon stations. Situational awareness is enhanced by a night vision front camera and a 360° Driver Enhancement System composed of four external cameras producing a real-time panoramic view. The NMS-L may also be configured with a fully automatic fire suppression system for both the engine and crew compartments, with sensors that detect flames or heat and trigger suppression mechanisms either automatically or manually. Additional mission-specific options include a public address system, external simplex microphone, and integrated sirens, making it suitable for civil protection and crowd control roles. For more aggressive scenarios, the NMS-L can be fitted with a grenade launcher to support riot control or defensive operations in high-risk environments.