Estonia invests €200 Mn in Nurol Makina NMS 4x4 and Otokar Arma 6x6 armored vehicles.

According to the Estonian MoD on October 18, 2023, Estonia has finalized contracts valued at around €200 million for the acquisition of approximately 230 wheeled armored vehicles from Turkish defense companies, Nurol Makina and Otokar. The procurement includes NMS 4x4 armored vehicles, supplied by Nurol Makina, and Arma 6x6 armored personnel carriers (APCs), provided by Otokar.
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Estonia selected the Otokar Arma 6x6 APCs and Nurol Makina NMS 4x4 armored vehicles after a competition between nine companies across six countries (Picture source: Estonian MoD)

In addition to the procurement contracts, Estonian Minister of Defence H.E. Mr. Hanno Pevkur and Turkish Minister of Defence H.E. Mr. Yaşar Güler signed a Letter of Intent, laying the foundation for defense industry cooperation between the two nations. This cooperation is expected to foster secure supplies of armored vehicle-related materials and services while facilitating joint training and development activities.

The Estonian Centre for Defence Investments (ECDI) initiated the procurement process, which is expected to serve as a capability upgrade for the Estonian military, as the new armored vehicles will be acquired for the 2nd Infantry Brigade of the Defence Forces, which has not previously had wheeled armored vehicles. Furthermore, additional armored vehicles will be purchased for the 1st Infantry Brigade and the Explosive Ordnance Disposal Centre of the Estonian Rescue Board.

The procurement contracts for the wheeled armored vehicles have a duration of ten years, and they also allow for additional armored vehicle purchases and spare parts procurement as needed. The estimated €200 million cost of the acquisition encompasses not only the vehicles themselves but also documentation, training, special tools, equipment, and spare parts. Furthermore, these contracts can be utilized to request services for vehicle maintenance, repairs, and development. Deliveries of the new armored vehicles are expected to commence in the second half of 2024, with the entire acquisition anticipated to be completed by 2025.

The procured armored vehicles are divided into two categories: the Nurol Makina NMS 4×4 armored vehicles, which will be used by smaller teams in both the 1st and 2nd Infantry Brigades and the Otokar Arma 6×6 will serve as armored personnel carriers in the 2nd Infantry Brigade.

These Nurol Makina NMS 4x4 and Otokar Arma 6x6 armored vehicles will be adapted to meet Estonia's specific needs and are certified to offer protection against small arms fire and mine blasts. Additionally, the armored vehicles are equipped with smoke grenade launchers and feature a roof turret-mounted 12.7 mm heavy machine gun for enhanced security.

The procurement process was comprehensive and technically demanding, featuring competition from nine companies across six countries. The selection of the winning bids was based on various factors, including technical compliance, quality standards, delivery time, and cost-effectiveness. Nurol Makina and Otokar, Turkish defense companies with substantial experience in armored vehicle manufacturing, emerged as successful bidders.

Major General Veiko-Vello Palm, the Commander of the Defence Forces Division, highlighted the importance of this capability upgrade, stating that it would significantly enhance the protection and mobility of the Estonian military. These new armored vehicles are expected to improve the survivability of Estonian units and provide greater flexibility in unit deployment.

The Otokar Arma 6x6 APC can be armed with weapons ranging from 5.56mm to 120mm, providing options for self-defense and direct fire support. (Picture source: Army Recognition)

The Arma 6x6, developed by the Turkish company Otokar, is a multipurpose wheeled armored vehicle designed to adapt to the changing mission requirements in contemporary military operations. Also available in an 8x8 configuration, the Arma APC offers strong mobility, substantial mine and ballistic protection, and the capability to integrate medium and high-caliber weapon systems. The vehicle can be utilized in various roles, including surveillance, armored personnel carrier, command control, reconnaissance, and CBRN reconnaissance. Its adaptable design allows for the integration of different equipment and accessories, making it suitable for personnel transport, mobile gun carriers, and anti-tank missile platforms.

The Arma family supports a wide range of armament options, including open cupolas, closed turret weapon stations, remote control weapon stations, and various caliber weapon systems. It can be armed with weapons ranging from 5.56mm to 120mm, providing options for self-defense and direct fire support. The vehicle prioritizes crew protection, with a monocoque body and a double-wall V-shaped hull structure to enhance occupant safety against ballistic and mine threats. The modular armor kits can be swiftly added to increase protection against higher-level threats.

Regarding mobility, the Arma 6x6 is powered by a 450hp engine and features independent suspension, run-flat tires, central tire inflation, and an anti-locking brake system. These attributes ensure effective mobility across different terrains and offer a comfortable ride. The vehicle can operate amphibiously with hydraulically driven propellers, enhancing its suitability for challenging terrains and climate conditions. The Otokar Arma 6x6 has a top road speed of 105 km/h and a range of 700 km while being capable of accommodating a crew of up to 10, including the driver and commander.

The Nurol Makina NMS 4x4 armored vehicle is able to traverse water obstacles of up to 90 centimeters in depth. (Picture source: Nurol Makina)

The NMS 4x4 tactical protected vehicle was unveiled by the Turkish manufacturer Nurol Makina at the 2017 International Defense Exhibition (IDEF), in Türkiye. This vehicle is designed with a monocoque body and has dimensions of 4.9 m in length, 2.4 m in width, and 2.1 m in height. It can accommodate a maximum of nine occupants, including the driver, commander, and passengers in both front and rear seating arrangements.

One notable feature of the NMS is its flexibility regarding protection levels, as it can be adapted to mission requirements with scalable armor and composite materials. The vehicle's weight stands at 10,000 kg. The vehicle includes doors on both sides, fitted with small bulletproof windows in the upper sections, along with additional bulletproof windows in the rear part of the troop compartment and on the rear side of the hull.

Propelled by a 300 hp diesel engine mated to an automatic transmission, the NMS 4x4 can reach a maximum road speed of 140 km/h and offers a cruising range of 700 km. It exhibits notable off-road capabilities, including the ability to handle side slopes of up to 40%, gradients of 70%, and crossing natural or man-made obstacles up to 900 mm in height and trenches up to 0.9 m in width. The vehicle features a self-protection mechanism in the form of a remote weapon station mounted on the roof of the crew compartment, armed with a 7.62mm machine gun. Furthermore, the NMS 4x4 can be adapted to serve various purposes, such as an armored personnel carrier, anti-tank weapon station, or cargo vehicle, to cater to diverse mission requirements.