Estonia considers mixed armoured manoeuvre fleet

Estonia is nearing a decision on the inclusion of the different vehicles into its future armoured manoeuvre unit as part of its long-term defence development plan 2009-2018, Defence Minister Mart Laar has said.

The vehicles to be included into the fleet will be both main battle tanks and armoured infantry fighting vehicles, instead of an either/or vehicle proposition.

The acquisition of both vehicles is expected to further develop the armoured manoeuvre capability of the Estonian Army.

The delay in the acquisition plan was due to the 2009 economic recession, causing reductions to the defence spending by an average of 6.75% in 2009 and 2010.

The Estonian defence budget was recently revised and boosted by 7.5%, allowing the country to refocus on projects assumed in its 2018 defence plan, according to Forecast International.