Turkish Otokar finalizes Cobra II military vehicle contract with Romania
COBRA II 4x4 armoured tactical vehicle designed and produced by Turkish company Otokar, at the 16th edition of International Defence Exhibition and Conference (IDEX) and the 7th edition of the Naval Defence and Maritime Security Exhibition (Navdex) in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, February 21 2023. (AA Photo)
Otokar, a leading defense industry company in Türkiye, secured a significant military vehicle contract with Romania’s Ministry of Defense, valued at approximately $902.8 million.
The contract includes the supply of 1,059 4×4 tactical wheeled armored vehicles as part of Romania’s defense modernization efforts.
Contract details and production plans
The agreement, which was signed on Nov. 27, 2024, between Otokar and Romania’s state-owned defense company Romtehnica, covers the production and delivery of 1,059 Cobra II 4×4 armored vehicles.
The total value of the contract is approximately 4.3 billion Romanian new leu ($911.5 million), excluding value-added tax (VAT).
Under the terms of the contract, the first 278 vehicles will be produced at Otokar’s facilities in Türkiye, while the remaining vehicles will be assembled locally in Romania. The deliveries are expected to start in the last quarter of 2025 and will be completed in stages over a period of five years.
Technical specifications and capabilities of Cobra II
The Cobra II 4×4 armored vehicle is designed to offer high levels of protection, mobility, and adaptability in various operational environments. It is equipped to withstand ballistic, mine, and improvised explosive device (IED) threats, providing enhanced security for military personnel.
The vehicle is also noted for its extensive weapon integration options and adaptability to a wide range of missions, making it suitable for deployment in diverse terrain and climate conditions.
| Gross vehicle weight: Up to 19000 kilogram | Transfer case: 2 speed with differential lock |
| Maximum crew capacity: Up to 11 | Transmission: Automatic |
| Suspension: Fully independent suspension with telescopic-type hydraulic shock absorbers & helical springs | Axles: Differentials with lock and geared wheel hubs |
| Width: 2850 mm (without spare tyre) | Suspension: Fully independent suspension with telescopic type hydraulic shock absorbers & helical springs |
| Height: Over Hull 2650 mm | Brakes: Pneumatic service brakes with discs on each wheel, dual circuit with ABS. Pneumatic independent park brake. |
| Ground clearance: 450 mm | Tyres: 14.00 R20 with run-flat devices |
| Engine: Turbo Charged Diesel Engine 375 HP – 400 HP | Electrical system: 24 Volt system compliant with NATO military standards |
Strategic importance of deal
This contract represents a major milestone for Otokar, a company with over four decades of experience in the defense industry. The Cobra II has already been deployed in 13 countries worldwide, with more than 20 active users.
Otokar’s success in securing this contract comes after a rigorous selection process, including technical evaluations, field tests, and commercial assessments, which concluded with an official invitation to enter contract negotiations on Oct. 4, 2024.
Future prospects and local production
As part of the agreement, Otokar will also provide integrated logistical support services for the vehicles. The local production of the remaining vehicles in Romania will create additional opportunities for collaboration between Otokar and Romanian defense contractors.
