Estonia concludes framework contracts to buy equipment designed for special forces

TALLINN - The Estonian Center for Defense Investment (RKIK) has entered into framework contracts on behalf of the defense forces and the Rescue Board for the acquisition of clothing and special equipment designed for special units, on the basis of which it is possible to purchase, for example, mesh underwear and fireproof underwear, special uniforms, camouflage clothing and elements of ballistic body protection.

"This is a procurement that for the first time is aimed at the most demanding groups of the defense forces and Rescue Board, meaning special operations forces, in order to provide them with world-class equipment," Maia Prunt, category manager for soldier equipment and life support at RKIK, said in a press release.

Special forces mean units of trained specialized personnel using special equipment and combinations of tactics that exceed the normal capabilities of conventional military and non-military special units. These can be, for example, military special operations units, riot police, rapid responders, EOD personnel, special units of security companies and others.

The new framework agreement allows for the procurement of high-quality equipment across different government sectors, also helping to develop the field of internal security and providing the Rescue Board with necessary equipment.

Kalvar Tammine, head of the explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) unit at the Estonian Rescue Board, noted that, like firefighters and soldiers, EOD personnel and their assistant personnel are on the front lines during crises.

"Specialized clothing must support this life-threatening work, and joining forces with the RKIK makes procurement significantly easier," said Tammine.

As a result of the international public procurement, framework agreements were concluded with a number of tenderers from Estonia and elsewhere, including both manufacturers and dealers. The manufacturers with whom framework contracts were signed include AS Profline, Taiga AB, Brasa Defense Systems Ltd and C.P.E Production Oy.