Today, the Estonian Defence Forces rely mostly on in-house solutions to repair and maintain defence equipment. However, the existing infrastructure and machinery cannot cater for their long-term needs, the more so as it will be difficult to recruit and retain qualified personnel in adequate numbers in the longer perspective.
18.04.2011, Martin Hurt
Today, the Estonian Defence Forces rely mostly on in-house solutions to repair and maintain defence equipment. However, the existing infrastructure and machinery cannot cater for their long-term needs, the more so as it will be difficult to recruit and retain qualified personnel in adequate numbers in the longer perspective.
These problems are in no way unique to Estonia. Other states have faced similar challenges. Several European countries have decided to solve the problems through closer cooperation with the private sector, which is always fighting for survival through efficiency enhancements.
This report provides an overview of the general organisation of equipment maintenance and repair activities in the armed forces of some European countries, describing their experiences and analysing the positive and negative aspects of cooperation between the public and private sectors. In particular, the report focuses on the maintenance and repair of vehicles, including armoured vehicles.
Download: Maintenance and Repair of Defence Equipment with the Support of the Private Sector (PDF)