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Otokar, a leading Turkish defense manufacturer, is preparing to deliver the first batch of COBRA II 4x4 armored vehicles to Romania under Türkiye's largest single armored vehicle export contract, according to information provided to Anadolu Agency by company executives.
The contract, signed last year with the Romanian Ministry of Defense, includes 1,059 COBRA II 4x4 armored vehicles and represents a significant milestone for Turkish defense exports to European markets.
Sedef Vehbi, Otokar's deputy general manager for military vehicles, told Anadolu Agency that the company recently took an important step toward fulfilling its commitment to Romania by signing an agreement with Automecanica S.A., one of Romania's leading defense industry companies.
"We have signed an agreement to establish a joint venture company with Automecanica S.A. to manufacture locally in Romania and thereby develop defense industry capabilities in the country," Vehbi said.
The production of the first 278 COBRA II vehicles, which will be manufactured in Türkiye, continues at Otokar's factory in Sakarya. Integration of subsystems sourced from local manufacturers will be carried out in Romania.
"The work is progressing in line with the project schedule. Coordination and monitoring of all processes will be carried out by the new joint venture company. The first deliveries are expected to begin in the last quarter of 2025," Vehbi stated.
According to Vehbi, the contract includes the production of 10 different variants of the COBRA II tailored to Romania's needs and requirements.
"The contract covers ten separate variants consisting of personnel carriers, reconnaissance vehicles, personnel carriers with remote-controlled weapon systems, anti-tank vehicles, anti-tank command vehicles, 120mm mortar carriers, 81mm mortar carriers, engineering vehicles, CBRN reconnaissance vehicles, and ambulances," Vehbi explained.
Regarding the after-sales service structure to be established in Romania, Vehbi emphasized Otokar's commitment to comprehensive support.
"In accordance with our general principles, we are extremely sensitive about fully and effectively structuring our after-sales organization to meet end-user needs when the first vehicle enters the inventory of any country," Vehbi said.
The field maintenance team within the joint venture will provide all maintenance and repair services quickly to the Romanian Armed Forces and offer comprehensive warranty service. Additionally, specialized training programs will be organized for end-users in the future, enabling the Romanian Armed Forces to carry out maintenance and repair processes using their own resources.
When asked about the technology transfer aspects of the contract, Vehbi expressed pride in the European recognition of Turkish technology.
"First of all, as Türkiye's largest land systems exporter, it is a great source of pride for us that our technology is valued and demanded in Europe. Otokar's technology has thus once again been validated in the international arena," Vehbi stated.
The agreement requires a multidimensional and comprehensive technology transfer to Europe. The production of COBRA II vehicles in Romania will cover all stages from cutting raw materials to assembly and painting, while also developing testing capabilities. Otokar will train technical personnel in Romania as part of the project.
Vehbi emphasized that the Romanian project was a well-prepared, highly detailed tender with very challenging specifications, including many vehicle configurations suitable for different mission equipment.
"Beyond this, Otokar's success in global markets and its vehicles serving in NATO and United Nations operations naturally constituted a major reference in the tender. All the challenging tests were passed successfully. As a result, we signed Türkiye's largest armored vehicle export contract in a single package," Vehbi noted.
Romania has become the ninth European country to acquire Otokar vehicles. The company recently secured a critical order from Estonia, besting major European competitors.
Looking ahead, Vehbi highlighted Romania's expected role as a strategic center in Otokar's European operations: "Our presence in the country will continue with both our own subsidiary, Otokar Land Systems SRL, and our joint venture company with Automecanica. Both organizations will actively work on military procurement in Europe."
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