A committee of Estonia's parliament, the Riigikogu, is investigating why the country bought wheeled armoured vehicles from Turkey rather than from suppliers closer to home, ERR News reports.
Estonia ordered 230 vehicles from the Turkish firms Otokar and Nurol Makina for €200 million in 2023, and all have now been delivered. A report by the national defence committee said the deal weakened strategic co-operation with neighbours and left equipment incompatible with theirs in wartime. The anti-corruption select committee is awaiting answers from the defence ministry and the state procurement agency.
Defence Minister Martin Herem said price and delivery speed were decisive, arguing that matching the vehicles used by the 1st Brigade would have cost more and left 2nd Brigade battalions without armour. He said there had been no problems with spare parts so far.
Source: ERR News
