On Friday 12 June, the first 9 Volvo FMX trucks were handed  over to the Estonian Defence Forces. The trucks are part of a 6.9 million euro contract, according to which the Estonian Centre of Defense Investment is purchasing 40 new trucks during this year. The contract will double the total number of trucks owned by the Estonian Defense Forces.

The vehicles are manufactured in Sweden, but all accessories and the superstructure have been designed and installed in Estonia by Volvo Trucks Estonia in cooperation with the Estonian company Pro Lift OÜ. As a tailor made solution, they have developed and manufactured a military device that can be used to operate both hook-lift swap bodies and shipping containers.
“We are witnessing a strong partnership between the industry and the government, civil and armed forces, critical infrastructure owners and non-governmental organizations. We are proud and honored to continue the long-term cooperation that we have had with Estonian Ministry of Defense/Estonian Defense Forces since 2014,” said Maria Karlström, Managing Director of Volvo Trucks Estonia, at the hand over ceremony.
The Minister of Defence Jüri Luik expressed his satisfaction with the increase in Estonia’s military capabilities:

“With these container trucks, it is possible to transport essentially everything needed by the Estonian Defence Forces, and in exceptionally large quantities – up to 65 tonnes. Through international cooperation, Estonia is strengthening its defence relations with close partners while also contributing to the Estonian economy in the current crisis,“ said Jüri Luik.
“Our goal is to provide the Estonian Defence Forces with durable and high-quality vehicles, which would not only help to increase defence capabilities, but also be as cost-effective as possible throughout the vehicle's life cycle,“ said Toomas Kalda, Head of the Vehicle Category at the Centre for Defence Investment.
“Volvo Group and Volvo Trucks Estonia will be a long term partner to Estonia, supporting its customers, partner organisations and the society with transport capacity and mobility of people and goods.  In this case, the defense equipment was supplied helping to improve the defense capability of Estonia and the entire region, whereas contributing to Estonian economy at the same time. With our unique product portfolio, competence and commitment, Volvo Group and Volvo Trucks Estonia are ready to further strengthen our partnership and continue to deliver needed transport solutions to the Estonian Defense Forces also in the future,” concluded Maria Karlström.

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Forwarded by,

Kristiina Brodén – SCCE Ombudsman