The agreements aim to streamline the purchase of essential technology, including electronic aiming and detection devices, laser sights for weapons, and smart devices with ballistic solutions, ECDI said in a press release.
The contracts, which span a period of seven years, involve several prominent companies from the defence industry. Notable participants include Estonian firms such as eqqus Ltd OÜ, I.V.A Leon, Bristol Trust, Hevi Optronics, and PERIMEX OÜ, along with joint bids from MOONRAY and Holosun Technologies, Inc.
These agreements are designed to enhance competition among suppliers, ensuring that the Estonian Defence Forces acquire the necessary equipment more quickly and cost-effectively.
Ramil Lipp, ECDI’s Strategic Category Manager for Armaments, highlighted the importance of these framework agreements in bolstering Estonia’s defence capabilities.
“These framework agreements allow Estonia to purchase the necessary products more quickly and cost-effectively while maintaining competition between companies. The war in Ukraine has shown that having a comprehensive night combat capability is an extremely important component of successful warfare,” Lipp said.
Electro-optical devices, as described in the agreements, include advanced aiming devices, laser sights, and electronic detection equipment. These products utilise cutting-edge night vision and thermal technologies, along with radar systems, to enhance the performance of the Estonian Defence Forces during low-visibility operations.
Captain Ahti Habanen, Chief of Armament of the Estonian Defence Forces, emphasised the strategic advantage these technologies offer.
“Electro-optical devices give the defence forces an advantage in detecting and targeting the enemy, especially in conditions with poor visibility, enhancing the units’ ability to direct fire more accurately and detect the enemy as early as possible,” said Captain Habanen. “This, in turn, reduces the risks to our servicemembers and gives them an advantage on the battlefield. The enemy must also consider our improved capabilities and adjust their actions accordingly,” he added.
The introduction of these new electro-optical systems is expected to significantly boost Estonia’s defence readiness, providing its forces with enhanced capabilities in night-time and low-visibility combat scenarios.
