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Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert and Sven Mikser. Photo: mil.ee

Mikser said after the agreement was signed, that the purchase contract of the battle machines will be signed before the end of this year.

Mikser said that it isn’t yet possible to say exactly when the infantry battle vehicles arrive to Estonia. The vehicles will be paid for in installments and the first installment is included in next year's budget. "The machines arrive in Estonia in line with the schedule of payments," said Mikser.

Mikser stated that it is the largest defence procurement after restoration of the Estonian independence, which will definitely improve significantly the Estonian defence ability. In accordance with good practices, the cost of the vehicles is not revealed before signing the contract.

The 44 vehicles will be used by Scoutsbattalion.

Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert said they agreed with Mikser today also that the Dutch infantry battle vehicles will participate in the Independence Day parade on February 24 next year in Estonia.

Estonian defence cooperation with the Kingdom of the Netherlands is mainly focused on the area of procurement. Since 2004, Estonia has acquired from the Netherlands for a favourable price over 1,100 used trucks and SUVs, nearly 500 trailers and staff containers, and 81 armoured transporters SISU XA-188.

Dutch F-16 fighter planes have participated in the Baltic Air Policing operation. In the second half of October, a Dutch navy unit consisting of a submarine, frigate, patrol vessel, and two support vessels will visit Estonia.