BSDA 2024: Otokar Presents Cobra II Proposal for Romania.

At the Black Sea Defense & Aerospace (BSDA) 2024 exhibition held in Bucharest from May 22 to 24, the Turkish company Otokar confirmed that it is offering its Cobra II 4×4 protected patrol vehicle to the Romanian Army. The proposal includes a technology transfer agreement allowing the vehicle to be produced in Romania in partnership with Automecanica SA in Mediaș, Transylvania.
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At BSDA 2024, Otokar displayed a pickup-style configuration of the Cobra II on a revolving pedestal, equipped with an Anubis 3.0 ROWS from Pro Optica(Picture source: ArmyRecognition)

During a press conference, Sedef Vehbi, head of Otokar's military cluster, emphasized that Otokar would do “more than what is required” by supporting research and development as well as manufacturing at its Romanian facility, which could potentially serve as a hub for other European users of Otokar products. In line with Romanian requirements, Otokar will also offer offset contracts to local suppliers. One of these Romanian partners is Pro Optica, which showcased its Anubis 3.0 remotely operated weapon system (ROWS) mounted on a Cobra II presented by Otokar at the exhibition.

Otokar did not provide further details regarding the procurement program, such as the number of vehicles offered, the potential market value, or the delivery schedule. However, it is understood that the offer pertains to the Light Armoured Tactical Vehicle (Autovehicule Tactice Blindate de Tip Ușor: ATBTU) program, for which the Romanian Ministry of National Defence (MND) expressed a total requirement for 1,059 vehicles in a document published in December 2021. Otokar's proposal for the Cobra II underscores its strategy to integrate local production capabilities and support the development of national defense industries. The company's commitment to exceeding baseline requirements and fostering local partnerships reflects its intent to proliferate its products across European markets.

Unveiled in 2013, the Cobra II is a light 4x4 tactical armored vehicle developed by the Turkish company Otokar. It is a highly versatile and modular platform, known for its exceptional technical and tactical features. The Cobra II is an evolution of the Cobra I, offering superior mobility, enhanced levels of ballistic and mine protection, increased payload capacity, and a spacious internal volume, making it a substantial improvement over its predecessor. Accommodating up to 11 personnel, including the driver and commander, the Cobra II ensures robust protection against ballistic, mine, and improvised explosive device (IED) threats.

The adaptability of this vehicle is one of its standout features, with various weapon integration options and mission equipment, allowing it to excel in roles such as border protection, internal security, and peacekeeping missions for different users. The Cobra II's modular design enables it to serve multiple purposes, including troop transport, reconnaissance, and support roles. Its reputation as a versatile and capable armored vehicle has made it a valuable asset in a wide range of military and security operations.

The Otokar Cobra II can be configured in several configurations, including anti-aircraft missile launching platform, anti-tank vehicle, command and control vehicle, field ambulance/medical evacuation vehicle, internal security vehicle, jammer platform, Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected Vehicle (MRAP), mobile Satcom, mortar fire detection radar vehicle, personnel carrier with dual RCWS, personnel carrier with open cupola, reconnaissance and surveillance vehicle, and recovery vehicle.

The Otokar Cobra II can be equipped with a remote control weapon station mounted on the roof, armed with a 7.62 mm or 12.7 mm machine gun or an automatic cannon of up to 25 mm caliber. The vehicle can also be equipped with smoke grenade launchers. The Cobra II has a conventional design with the engine at the front, a four-door armored compartment in the middle, and a cargo area at the rear. The vehicle's hull is constructed from welded steel, offering protection against 7.62 mm rounds, artillery shell fragments, mines, and IEDs. The crew compartment's floor can accommodate additional removable armor. Bulletproof windows are located at the front and sides of the driver and commander, with front windows equipped with washers and wipers. The hull has two doors on each side that open forward. The Cobra II can carry 11 soldiers along with their equipment, including the driver and commander.

The Otokar Cobra II is equipped with a six-cylinder turbocharged diesel engine developing 360 hp at 2,650 rpm and 1,100 Nm of torque at 1,400 rpm. The vehicle can reach a maximum road speed of 110 km/h and has a cruising range of 700 km. It can negotiate a gradient of 60% and a side slope of 30%. The Cobra II has a fording depth of 1 meter and can climb vertical obstacles up to 500 mm in height and trenches up to 1 meter wide.

The Otokar Cobra II is equipped with a central tire inflation system, radial tires with run-flat inserts, an anti-lock braking system (ABS), air conditioning and heating, a floating floor design, roof hatches, gun ports, vision blocks, and towing eyes at the front and rear. The vehicle's ARMATRONICS system manages its electronics and includes a driver's vision enhancement system and integrated display. Additionally, there's a blackout lighting system with a NATO-type blackout feature, a logging and replay system for both video and vehicle data, embedded diagnostics, a jump start socket, fog lights, and provisions for the radio. Moreover, the Otokar Cobra II offers a range of optional equipment that can be tailored to specific operational needs. This includes a winterization kit, self-recovery winch, CBRN filtration system, automatic fire extinguishing and explosion suppression system, radio/intercom system, smoke grenade launchers, auxiliary power unit, navigation system (GPS/INS), and additional features like a ramp door with an emergency exit and a barricade remover.