Turkish armored vehicles arrive in Estonia, boosting NATO defense
Nurol Makina's NMS 4x4 wheeled armored vehicle, developed within the Turkish defense industry, has started service within the Estonian Defense Forces with a fast delivery schedule, and a demonstration event of the vehicles held in Estonia on March 11, 2025 (AA Photo)
Turkish defense industry-produced Otokar ARMA 6×6 and Nurol NMS 4×4 armored vehicles have been successfully delivered to Estonia ahead of schedule, reinforcing the country’s military capacity.
Rapid delivery exceeds expectations
In collaboration with Turkish defense firms Otokar and Nurol Makina, Estonia’s Ministry of Defense finalized contracts for ARMA 6×6 and NMS 4×4 armored vehicles to enhance the country’s military readiness.
Despite a tight timeline, approximately 50 vehicles have already been delivered, with the remainder expected within the year.
At a demonstration event held in the Nursipalu Training Area, Estonia’s Defense Minister Hanno Pevkur praised the rapid execution of the agreement. “Completing this delivery in such a short time is a significant achievement. I expect the remaining vehicles to arrive on schedule, allowing us to begin training and exercises. Initial feedback suggests the vehicles perform exceptionally well. In the coming period, we hope to provide useful insights to refine their capabilities further,” Pevkur said.
Acknowledging the security challenges facing Estonia, Pevkur emphasized the need for rapid military reinforcement.
“We have no time to lose. We must ensure that our forces are equipped with the best technology available. Our message must be clear: we are ready to defend our country and people by all means necessary,” he said.
Otokar and Nurol Makina express satisfaction
Otokar’s Deputy General Manager for Military Vehicles, Sedef Vehbi, underscored the significance of the contract, highlighting Estonia’s satisfaction with the vehicles’ performance.
“The entire process has been carried out in close cooperation with our client. Both the Estonian Ministry of Defense and our teams are pleased with how efficiently we’ve met the requirements,” Vehbi stated.
She further elaborated on the vehicles’ reception, explaining that ARMA 6×6 has undergone extensive testing in Estonia and has demonstrated high mobility, protection, and operational effectiveness. “Our after-sales teams are on the ground, ensuring continuous support. Customer satisfaction is our priority,” she added.
Vehbi also pointed out that the rising security concerns in Europe have driven greater interest in Otokar’s defense solutions.
“The situation in Ukraine has expanded regional defense needs, bringing Otokar’s vehicles into the spotlight. Our presence in Estonia has already led to a major contract in Romania. The ARMA 6×6’s deployment in a NATO country for the first time is a milestone for us,” she noted.
Otokar also announced the introduction event of the ARMA 6X6’s in a social media post on X, “Our ARMA 6×6 vehicles, which we delivered to the Estonian Defence Forces, were introduced at an event held in Estonia’s military training area,” Otokar’s post noted.
‘We are proud to contribute to the defense of our NATO ally’
Nurol Makina’s Strategic Planning and Market Development Director, Emre Akin, echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing the company’s role in strengthening Estonia’s military.
“We are proud to contribute to the defense of our NATO ally. Our vehicles have undergone significant modifications to meet Estonia’s specific operational needs, and the rapid delivery showcases our ability to adapt and respond efficiently,” he said.
Akin highlighted the significance of Nurol Makina’s presence in the European market, with subsidiaries in Hungary and the UK facilitating expansion.
“We have positioned ourselves as a key player in the European defense industry. Our fast-paced engineering and logistical capabilities ensure we remain a reliable partner for our allies,” he added.
Contract details and future prospects
The agreement between Estonia and Otokar was signed in October 2023, securing ARMA 6×6 vehicles and their related support equipment for an estimated €130 million ($141.7M).
This contract marked the vehicle’s first official deployment within a NATO country beyond Türkiye.
Nurol Makina’s NMS 4×4, secured through a separate contract valued at approximately €70 million ($76.3M), will be used by Estonia’s 1st and 2nd Infantry Brigades, with some units allocated to the Estonian Rescue Board’s Explosive Ordnance Disposal Center.
The deal allows for potential future expansions and technical upgrades over the next decade.
| Personnel carrying capacity up to 11 | Ergonomic design |
| Easy embarking and disembarking | Integration of manual or Remote Weapon Station system |
| Run-flat tires | Integration of different weapon systems: 7.62 mm AMG, 12.7 mm AMG, 40 mm grenade launcher Air defense system, Anti-tank weapon system |
| Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) Level Protection mines, IED & lateral blasts | Left & right hand adopted gun loops |
| Interior gunpowder smoke evacuation fans | Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) Level Ballistic Protection, |
| Left & right-hand adopted gun loops | Rectifier integrated into the vehicle |
| Built-in radio infrastructure | Quick, easy, and low-cost maintenance |
