Ecuador receives Otokar Cobra II 4X4 Tactical Wheeled Armored Vehicles.

On August 7, 2023, the Ecuadorian Ministry of National Defense made a significant announcement through its official Twitter account, confirming the delivery of the initial batch of 20 COBRA II tactical wheeled armored vehicles by the Turkish company Otokar to Ecuador. These vehicles are intended to strengthen the capabilities of the Ecuadorian armed forces, enhancing their efforts in countering organized crime and addressing challenges posed by drug cartels.
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Delivery of the initial batch of 20 COBRA II tactical wheeled armored vehicles to the Equator by Turkish company Otokar. (Picture source: Ecuador MoD)

Otokar underscored its commitment to expanding its presence in the South American market during the LAAD 2023 exhibition, held in Rio de Janeiro from April 11 to 14. General Manager Serdar Görgüç emphasized Otokar's extensive reach, with approximately 33 thousand military vehicles currently in service across nearly 60 users spanning over 40 countries. The recent delivery of COBRA II armored vehicles further highlights Otokar's dedication to enhancing its engagement in the dynamic South American market.

According to the Military Balance 2022, the Ecuador armed forces are currently equipped with 49 wheeled Armored personnel Carrier vehicles including 10 Brazilian  EE-11 Urutu and 32 German-made UR-416. 

The COBRA II 4x4 Tactical Wheeled Armored Vehicle stands as a modular platform renowned for its exceptional technical and tactical attributes. Showcasing remarkable mobility, the COBRA II 4x4 offers an elevated level of ballistic and mine protection, an increased payload capacity, and a spacious internal volume. Evolving from the Cobra I, Otokar's COBRA II features heightened protection capabilities, a significant payload potential, and a generously proportioned internal layout. With the capacity to accommodate up to 10 personnel, including both the driver and commander, this vehicle ensures robust safeguarding against ballistic, mine, and improvised explosive device (IED) threats.

Renowned for its versatility in terms of weapon integration options and adaptable mission equipment, the COBRA II has demonstrated its effectiveness in various roles, including border protection, internal security, and peacekeeping missions for different users. The modular design of the COBRA II lends itself to versatile applications, allowing it to function as a personnel carrier, weapons platform, ground surveillance radar, CBRN reconnaissance vehicle, command control vehicle, and ambulance.