The Estonian Defence Forces has received the initial tranche of G410 6×4 logistics trucks as part of an ongoing ground platform acquisition with Swedish automotive company Scania.
Costing 50 million euros ($54.1 million), the program is part of Tallinn’s efforts to upgrade the military’s mobile transport capabilities with about 265 vehicles.
The new G410 fleet will partially replace the DAF 2300 series semi-trucks that were first introduced to the market in the late 1970s.
Estonia’s Defence Investment Center (RKIK) said that the G410 incorporates a more basic driver assistance system and solutions similar to civilian logistics platforms, enabling convenient operations, sustainment, and after-service tasks for the vehicle.
For enhanced maneuverability, the truck is fitted with a special hydraulic system manufactured by the Estonian company GoCraft.
According to Scania’s product portfolio, the G410 6×4 is powered by a 1.3-liter Euro 6 engine for speeds up to 56 miles (90 kilometers) per hour.
“The introduction of modern vehicles is an important positive step towards sustainability, because the availability of spare parts has been a major challenge for the technology used,” Estonian Defence Forces Chief Technician Officer Maj. Raigo Puusepp explained.
“At the same time, as is known, modern technology requires a different approach to repair, which poses ever higher challenges to the know-how and tools of the repair personnel of the Defense Forces.”
Military Vehicle Cooperation With Latvia
Following the G410s, Tallinn expects more transport and tactical vehicles to arrive later this year and in 2025 under the government’s broader investment worth 693 million euros ($750.3 million) in partnership with its Baltic neighbor Latvia.
The systems will be deployed for highways and undeveloped roads once operational, with several to be sourced from Veho Eesti and Volvo Defense in addition to Scania.
Alongside the Estonian and Latvian armed forces, the upcoming vehicles will be distributed to the Estonian Defense League, Police and Border Guard, and the Latvian Ministry of Defence segments.
“With the arrival of new armored vehicles, an era begins where the defense forces no longer have to use only the equipment used by the allies, but the country is served with new modern armored vehicles,” RKIK Vehicles, Technology, and Logistics Manager Erko Sepri remarked during the Estonian G410 handover.
“We are very happy to say that after a long procurement and production process, the first vehicles are here.”