Image source: topwar.ru
Since the end of 2022, the bulk of the Estonian ground forces has been concentrated in the Estonian Division, which consists of two infantry brigades, an artillery division (armed with South Korean K9 Thunder self-propelled guns) and support units. The 1st brigade, stationed in the north, is of the heavy type and is equipped with Swedish CV90 infantry fighting vehicles and tanks of NATO allies – there are no plans to acquire their own. The 2nd Brigade, located in the south, until recently used Finnish Sisu XA-188 armored personnel carriers and trucks (mainly Mercedes-Benz Unimog) to transport personnel.
In October 2023, Estonia signed a contract worth €130 million for the supply of 130 ARMA 6×6 armored personnel carriers by the Turkish company Otokar. It is these vehicles that units of the 2nd Infantry Brigade are being transferred to, replacing the Sisu XA-188 and trucks (which are being placed at the disposal of the defense forces). All deliveries are expected to be completed this year. Thus, the mechanization of the troops will be completed in the near future.
Training of reservists of the 2nd Infantry Brigade on ARMA 6x6:
Image source: topwar.ru
ARMA 6 × 6 is a modular armored vehicle weighing up to 18.5 tons (the maximum permissible is 23 tons), designed primarily for the transportation of troops (8 people and 2 crew members). Equipped with a 450 hp turbodiesel engine, maximum speed of 105 km/h on the highway, independent hydropneumatic suspension, power reserve up to 700 km. The machine has amphibious properties.
Image source: topwar.ru
Exact data on the level of protection of the Estonian ARMA 6x6 is unknown, but it is expected that the basic protection can withstand an armor-piercing bullet from a 7.62 x 39 mm cartridge and detonation of 8 kg of explosives (thanks to the V-shaped body, anti-mine seats and high ground clearance).
The Estonian ARMA 6x6 is mainly represented in the APC version, equipped with an open protected turret ("birdhouse") with a 12.7mm M2 Browning machine gun.
