Romania selects Turkish company Otokar to supply 1,059 Cobra II armored vehicles.

On October 4, 2024, the Turkish company Otokar announced that it had received an official invitation to start contract negotiations for Romania's tender regarding the acquisition of 1,059 Cobra II light 4x4 tactical armored vehicles. Under the proposed $940 million production plan, the first batch of 278 vehicles will be manufactured at Otokar’s facilities, with subsequent production transitioning to Romania.
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Initially developed to reduce reliance on foreign suppliers, the Cobra series has seen deployment in various international conflicts, including the Russo-Georgian War, the 2022 Russo-Ukrainian War, and Turkish Armed Forces operations. (Picture source: Army Recognition)

This tender was issued by CN Romtehnica SA, a company under the Romanian Ministry of National Defense. Otokar disclosed that the tender's value stands at 4,263,286,655.66 RON, which is equivalent to approximately 32 billion Turkish Lira, $939,837,706.28, or €856,555,680.45, based on current exchange rates. This amount, excluding VAT, represents about 118% of Otokar’s gross sales revenue as reported in its financial statements for the year ending December 31, 2023.

Otokar initially announced its participation in the tender on March 20, 2024, when the company submitted its bid for this procurement. Since then, the selection process has included a series of evaluations comprising technical assessments, field tests, and a commercial evaluation to ensure the equipment's compliance with Romania’s defense requirements. Following the completion of these assessments, Romtehnica extended an invitation to Otokar to proceed with contract negotiations. This step marks a key advancement in the tender process and confirms Otokar’s role as a contender for this contract.

Romania's tender outlines plans to acquire 1,059 4x4 Tactical Wheeled Light Armored Vehicles, along with integrated logistics support services. Under the proposed production plan, the first batch of 278 vehicles will be manufactured at Otokar’s facilities, with subsequent production transitioning to Romania. The specifics of this local manufacturing framework, aimed at strengthening Romania’s defense production capabilities, are yet to be finalized and will align with local defense and economic objectives.

At the Romanian BDSA 2024 exhibition, Otokar displayed a pickup-style configuration of the Cobra II, equipped with the Anubis 3.0 remotely operated weapon system (ROWS) developed by Romanian company Pro Optica. (Picture source: Army Recognition)

At the Black Sea Defense & Aerospace (BSDA) 2024 exhibition in Bucharest, held from May 22 to 24, Otokar confirmed that it had submitted the Cobra II 4x4 protected patrol vehicle for the Romanian Army’s consideration. As part of its proposal, Otokar presented a technology transfer agreement that would allow the Cobra II to be manufactured in Romania in partnership with Automecanica SA in Mediaș, Transylvania.

During the exhibition, Otokar displayed a pickup-style configuration of the Cobra II, equipped with the Anubis 3.0 remotely operated weapon system (ROWS) developed by Romanian company Pro Optica. In a press conference, Sedef Vehbi, head of Otokar’s military cluster, stated that the company plans to support research and development and manufacturing activities at its Romanian facility, which may serve as a European production hub. Otokar also indicated plans to establish offset contracts with local suppliers, including Pro Optica.

At that time, although Otokar did not release further details regarding the procurement program—such as the number of vehicles offered, total market value, or delivery timelines—the company’s proposal is understood to align with the Light Armoured Tactical Vehicle (Autovehicule Tactice Blindate de Tip Ușor: ATBTU) program. The Romanian Ministry of National Defence (MND) previously stated a requirement for 1,059 vehicles in a document published in December 2021. Otokar’s offer included considerations for local production capabilities and suggests support for Romania’s national defense industry.

The Cobra II features a monocoque steel V-hull designed to withstand small arms fire, IEDs, and mines. It can be equipped with 7.62mm and 12.7mm machine guns and supports automatic cannons up to 25mm. (Picture source: Army Recognition)

The Cobra II, designed and manufactured by Otokar, is a tactical armored vehicle building upon the original Cobra platform, first introduced in 1997. The Cobra II, which debuted in 2013, features advancements in mobility, payload, and protection compared to its predecessor. Initially developed to reduce reliance on foreign suppliers, the Cobra series has seen deployment in various international conflicts, including the Russo-Georgian War, the Boko Haram insurgency, and Turkish Armed Forces operations.

The Cobra II has a monocoque steel V-hull designed to withstand small arms fire, IEDs, and mines. Powered by a 6.7L turbocharged diesel engine that produces 360 hp, the vehicle can reach speeds up to 110 km/h with a range of 700 km. It can be armed with 7.62mm and 12.7mm machine guns and supports up to 25mm automatic cannons. The Cobra II has been documented as effective in various terrains, with capabilities suited for urban and rugged operational environments.

Available in several configurations, the Cobra II’s modular design allows for variants such as personnel carriers, field ambulances, command and control vehicles, anti-tank platforms, and Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles. Additional features include a CBRN filtration system, run-flat tires, and optional winterization kits, which enable it to operate in diverse climates. The vehicle's amphibious capabilities further expand its operational roles, covering internal security, border patrol, and peacekeeping missions.

Current operators of the Cobra II include Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Romania, Tunisia, Ghana, Ivory Coast, and Senegal. The vehicle is used by the Turkish Armed Forces and has seen deployment in United Nations peacekeeping operations. Recently, Ukrainian forces employed a Cobra II for medical evacuation during the Kursk offensive, while Saudi Special Forces acquired Cobra II vehicles to reinforce security in Mecca.