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Turkish Company Otokar Secures Contract with Romania for Locally Built COBRA II Tactical Armored Vehicles.
On November 27, 2024, Turkish land systems manufacturer Otokar signed a contract with Romtehnica, representing the Romanian Ministry of Defense, to supply 1,059 COBRA II 4x4 light tactical armored vehicles. This multi-year contract, valued at approximately €857 million, marks a significant milestone in Romania’s military modernization efforts. The agreement also includes substantial local production in Romania, strengthening industrial ties between the two countries.
The Cobra II’s welded steel armor protects against 7.62mm rounds, artillery fragments, and IEDs, with optional add-on armor available (Picture source: Otokar)
This contract follows a rigorous bidding process initiated by C.N. Romtehnica S.A. on behalf of the Romanian Ministry of Defense. Otokar, having submitted its bid on March 20, 2024, successfully completed technical evaluations, field tests, and financial assessments. On October 4, 2024, Otokar was officially selected as the winner, paving the way for this strategic partnership.
Unveiled in 2013, the Cobra II is a 4x4 light tactical armored vehicle designed to perform a variety of military and security missions. As the successor to the Cobra I, it offers enhanced modularity, improved technical performance, greater mobility, and reinforced protection against ballistic threats, mines, and improvised explosive devices (IEDs). Capable of transporting up to 11 personnel, including the driver and commander, the Cobra II features a spacious interior and can be adapted for roles such as troop transport, reconnaissance, command and control, and medical evacuation.
The Cobra II’s welded steel armor provides protection against 7.62mm rounds, artillery fragments, and IEDs, with optional add-on armor available. Its armament options include a remotely operated weapon station armed with a 7.62mm or 12.7mm machine gun or a 25mm automatic cannon, along with smoke grenade launchers. Powered by a 360-horsepower turbo diesel engine, the vehicle can reach a maximum speed of 110 km/h with a range of 700 km. It also features a central tire inflation system, run-flat inserts, and advanced electronics, including the ARMATRONICS management system, making it customizable for diverse operational requirements.
Under the contract, the first 278 vehicles will be manufactured in Türkiye, while the remainder will be produced locally in Romania. Deliveries are expected to begin in the last quarter of 2025 and extend over five years. The agreement also includes integrated logistics support to ensure optimal operational readiness of the vehicles.
The COBRA II, one of Otokar’s flagship products, is already in active service with over 20 operators across 13 countries. Available in more than 30 variants, it is known for its modularity, allowing it to meet diverse operational needs. The vehicle offers enhanced protection against ballistic, mine, and IED threats, combined with high mobility, a strong power-to-weight ratio, and integration capabilities for various weapon systems and mission equipment.
With nearly 40 years of experience in the defense industry, Otokar has built a global reputation for providing robust and innovative solutions. Founded in 1963 as part of Türkiye’s industrialization efforts, the company operates a 552,000-square-meter facility in Arifiye, Sakarya, employing over 3,500 personnel. Otokar’s portfolio includes wheeled armored vehicles (4x4, 6x6, 8x8), tracked armored vehicles, unmanned vehicles, and turret systems, which are in service across more than 40 allied and partner countries, including NATO and UN members. The company has a global fleet of over 33,000 military vehicles.
The defense partnership between Turkey and Romania reflects growing strategic cooperation, strengthened by mutual industrial and military initiatives. Both countries, as NATO members, share common security objectives, particularly in the context of the Black Sea and emerging challenges in Eastern Europe. This partnership is built on technology transfers, co-production programs, and expertise exchanges, fostering the development of Romania's defense capabilities while solidifying Turkey's position as a key player in the defense industry. The recent agreement for the local production of Cobra II armored vehicles in Romania exemplifies this collaboration, combining military modernization, industrial development, and the strengthening of bilateral ties within the transatlantic alliance.