The Estonian Defence Forces Upgraded Their Fleet Of Vehicles

Today, the  Estonian Defence Forces took delivery of the first new Scania G410 6x4 tractor trucks, which will enhance the capability of their logistics units. Additionally, other new vehicles are set to arrive in Estonia over the course of this and next year, improving the logistical and tactical capabilities of the units.

The new tractor trucks will partially replace the currently used DAF 2300 series tractor trucks. "The arrival of the new vehicles marks a new era where the Defence Forces will no longer have to rely solely on equipment that has been previously used by allies, but will serve the country with new, modern vehicles. I am very pleased to note that, after long procurement and production processes, the first vehicles have arrived," said Erko Sepri, Strategic Category Manager (Vehicles, Machinery & Logistics) at the Estonian Centre for Defence Investment (ECDI).

The new, modern tractor trucks feature essential driver assistance systems and closely resemble trucks used in civilian logistics, which simplifies the maintenance and after-sales service of military vehicles. The special hydraulic systems on the vehicles were built by Estonian company GoCraft OÜ.

"The introduction of modern vehicles is an important positive step towards sustainability because a major challenge with used technology has been the availability of spare parts. However, modern equipment naturally requires a different approach to repairs, which poses increasingly higher challenges to the skills and tools of the Defence Forces' repair personnel. The impact of logistical capabilities on servicing combat units of the Defence Forces is significant, and it necessitates the need for more capable technology," said Major Raigo Puusepp, the Chief Technician of the Defence Forces.

The upcoming vehicle deliveries for this and next year encompass both logistical vehicles suited for road travel and tactical vehicles capable of off-road operations. Beyond Scania Eesti AS, Veho Eesti and Volvo Defence AB are also suppliers of these military vehicles.

The total value of the military vehicle framework agreement is approximately 693 million euros, allowing the acquisition of vehicles not only for the Defence Forces but also for the Defence League, the Police and Border Guard Board, and the Latvian Ministry of Defence and its agencies.