Tallinn, Estonia, October 21, 2023 – In a significant development, the Estonian Centre for Defense Investment (ECDI) has successfully concluded a major contract with Turkey’s leading land systems manufacturer, Otokar. This deal, valued at approximately €130 million, encompasses the supply of ARMA 6×6 Armored Personnel Carriers, including maintenance equipment and training services. Deliveries are scheduled to begin in the latter half of 2024 and will be completed by 2025.
The official agreement was signed on October 18, 2023, in Estonia, by Magnus Valdemar Saar, ECDI Director General, and Sedef Vehbi, Otokar Military Cluster Head. The signing ceremony saw the presence of prominent figures, including Estonian Defense Minister Hanno Pevkur and Turkey’s Defense Minister Gen. Yaşar Güler.
This collaboration follows a previously signed Letter of Intent (LOI) between the defense ministers of both nations. Additionally, a protocol emphasizing cooperation in the defense industry was endorsed by Magnus Valdemar Saar and Haluk Görgün, President of the Turkish Defense Industry Agency (SSB).
The decision to procure ARMA 6×6 vehicles came after an extensive international competition and thorough commercial and technical assessments by the Estonian Defense Forces (EDF). The ARMA 6×6, known for its advanced technical capabilities, emerged as the top choice.
Sedef Vehbi, Military Cluster Head of Otokar, expressed her pride, stating, ‘Otokar is honored to serve the Estonian Land Forces with its ARMA 6×6 Armored Personnel Carrier. With our extensive experience in land systems, nearly 33,000 Otokar military vehicles are operational across over 40 countries. Estonia will be the second NATO nation to deploy ARMA. As a recognized NATO and UN supplier, we cherish this contract and view it as a pivotal step for our ARMA vehicle lineage. We are optimistic about fostering a long-term relationship with the Estonian Defense Forces.’
Otokar’s ARMA, a multi-wheeled modular armored vehicle, is trusted by five distinct global users. It boasts exceptional mobility, robust mine and ballistic defense, and compatibility with medium to high-caliber weapon systems. ARMA 6×6 is renowned for its substantial payload capacity and spacious interior. It can be tailored with diverse mission equipment and turrets, both manned and unmanned. The versatile ARMA 6×6 can be adapted for myriad roles, from surveillance and recovery to reconnaissance, and can be equipped with a variety of armament systems.”
