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Turkish defense manufacturer Otokar is approaching completion of its delivery of 278 COBRA II 4x4 armored vehicles to Romania while preparing to launch a new production facility in Romania by October, marking progress on Türkiye's largest single-item armored land vehicle export contract.
The project represents a 1,059-vehicle contract signed last November with Romania's Ministry of Defense for the country's needs, with the first 278 vehicles produced in Sakarya and the remainder to be manufactured at the new Romanian facility.
Otokar General Manager Ibrahim Aykut Ozuner, speaking on Saturday to state-owned Anadolu Agency (AA), said that the 1,059-unit COBRA II project for Romania holds special importance in the company's history for both production and technology transfer aspects.
Ozuner said that 1,059 vehicles are planned over five years, with the first 278 produced locally and the rest in Romania. There will be 10 variants, and beyond production, some of the equipment will be developed, tested, and put into use there.
"The delivery of 278 vehicles will be completed by the end of November. We have produced around 170 vehicles so far," he stated.
Otokar is preparing to launch its Romanian production facility after intensive preparation work spanning nearly nine months since the contract signing last November.
"We plan to open at the end of September, beginning of October. Deliveries from production in Romania will begin in the first quarter of next year," Ozuner said.
"This will create an opportunity for eligibility for projects financed with European Union funds. The Romania project is coming online at exactly the right time," he added.
The company displayed the Romanian vehicle equipped with an open turret at the 17th International Defense Industry Fair (IDEF 2025).
Ozuner emphasized the complexity of managing simultaneous production and facility construction within the contract timeline. He said they have two major tasks this year: developing and producing the serial production vehicle for delivery by the end of November, and building a factory at the same time.
The first task—developing, producing, and testing the vehicle—is underway at the Arifiye facility, which in many projects would be the sole focus. However, alongside this, they initiated construction of the factory immediately after the contract was signed in November, placing all machinery, equipment, and apparatus orders.
"The entire facility was almost established. As of this month, all physical investment will be finished, and we will begin production activities such as laser cutting, body welding, body construction, and assembly. We plan to open at the end of September, beginning of October," Ozuner explained.
"Deliveries from production in Romania will begin in the first quarter of next year. Even if it's the same product, since the production location changes, we will need to run similar processes here as well, so some time will be needed," he noted.
Otokar’s general manager added that they aim to start sales of production vehicles in Romania at the beginning of next year and that the project is progressing without issues. While the company has smaller-scale projects produced and sold locally, the Romania project remains its most important and largest undertaking.
Ibrahim Aykut Ozuner said that within the scope of the project, they established both their own companies and a joint venture in Romania, thus "setting foot in the European Union."
He outlined the Romania project and Otokar’s future in the European market, noting that it is not simply about starting production somewhere in Europe for the sake of opportunity. The company is already established in Romania, and while military projects are typically long-term, producing there is strategically important.
Otokar also plans to carry out some engineering activities in Romania, which offers additional advantages. The Romania project will generate added value locally, and starting next year, the company will have an operational factory there. This presence could also open the door to other potential projects within the European Union, including those financed by EU funds.
"The Romania project is coming online at exactly the right time. All our power, concentration are directed toward getting this project off the ground," Ozuner stated.
Ozuner said other projects are being discussed in Romania and the region, with projects such as infantry fighting vehicles on the agenda.
Expressing that they view possible projects as additional opportunities after setting foot in Europe, Ozuner made the following evaluations: "The Romania project was difficult. Initially, there was no facility; we had to build a new one. In future projects, we can respond faster in terms of production there. Needs corresponding to our tracked armored tactical vehicle TULPAR, are being discussed in Romania. If such a need becomes concrete, we will make every effort we can to do it."
He concluded by saying that producing in Romania will better position the company for new opportunities. If new projects arise within the European Union, Otokar will actively pursue them. Although the company has long operated in Europe, with recent deliveries to Estonia and Ukraine, he believes their presence in Romania will give them a stronger advantage in securing future business.
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