Turkish defence firm Otokar to produce Cobra II vehicles in 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 Turkish defense company owned by Türkiye’s largest conglomerate Koc Holding, has signed a joint venture agreement with Romania’s Automecanica SA to produce Cobra II armored vehicles domestically in Romania.
According to a statement submitted to the Turkish Public Disclosure Platform (KAP), the newly established joint venture will focus on the local production of Cobra II 4×4 tactical wheeled armored vehicles. The initiative is also expected to contribute to the development of Romania’s defense industry capabilities.
The new entity will not only manufacture the COBRA II 4×4 ATBTU armored vehicles in Romania but will also engage in engineering operations, marketing activities, and after-sales services within the country. Under the terms of the agreement, Otokar Land Systems SRL and Automecanica SA will each hold a 50% stake in the joint venture.
Türkiye’s Otokar to deliver over 1,000 armored vehicles to Romania
Commenting on the agreement, Otokar General Manager Aykut Ozuner emphasized that Otokar is Türkiye’s largest land systems exporter, describing the deal as a significant milestone in the company’s broader strategy for growth in the defense sector.
Andrei Scobioala, Chairman of the Board of Automecanica SA, stated that the project holds great importance for their company and will play a key role in enhancing Romania’s domestic defense capabilities.
In November 2024, Otokar secured a ₺32 billion ($934 million) contract to deliver 1,059 Cobra II 4×4 tactical wheeled armored vehicles.
