Romanian land forces receive first Cobra II 4×4 armoured vehicles

The Romanian Land Forces officially announced the reception of the first Cobra II 4×4 light armoured vehicles on January 17, marking a key milestone in the modernisation of Romania’s ground combat capabilities. The vehicles have entered the army’s inventory and are scheduled to be distributed to operational units in the near future, initiating a long-term programme that will significantly reshape protected mobility across the force.

This initial delivery represents the first tangible outcome of a major acquisition effort launched in 2024, when Türkiye’s Otokar was selected to supply Romania with a new generation of 4×4 light tactical armoured vehicles. Under the contract, the Romanian Armed Forces will receive a total of 1,059 Cobra II vehicles over a five-year period. The first 278 units are produced in Türkiye, while the remaining vehicles will be manufactured locally in Romania, Army Recognition writes.

Local production is being carried out through a joint venture established in 2025 between Otokar and Romanian defence company Automecanica S.A. Assembly takes place in Mediaș, where the industrial plan foresees the production of approximately 800 vehicles at full capacity, with a target output of around 1.5 vehicles per day. 

The programme underscores Romania’s intent to pair large-scale procurement with domestic industrial participation, strengthening both operational readiness and national defence manufacturing capabilities.

The Cobra II is a 4×4 mine-resistant, ambush-protected (MRAP) armoured vehicle designed for high mobility and survivability in demanding environments. According to the Romanian Land Forces, the vehicle is operated by a four-person crew and can reach speeds of up to 120 km/h while maintaining strong off-road performance, including the ability to negotiate steep longitudinal and transverse slopes. This makes it well suited to Romania’s diverse terrain, from mountainous regions to open plains.

The platform features a welded steel monocoque hull providing protection against 7.62 mm small-arms fire, artillery fragments, mines, and improvised explosive devices. Depending on configuration, the Cobra II can transport up to 11 personnel and can be fitted with a remote-controlled weapon station armed with 7.62 mm or 12.7 mm machine guns, or heavier systems up to a 25 mm cannon.

Additional options include smoke grenade launchers and mission-specific equipment, enabling variants for troop transport, reconnaissance, command and control, ambulance, and mortar carrier roles.

Cobra II is a mature and combat-proven design. First unveiled in 2013, it has been adopted by more than a dozen countries, including NATO members, and has seen extensive use in patrol, convoy escort, border security, and urban operations. Its operational track record and modular design were key factors in Romania’s selection of the vehicle over competing platforms.

At the tactical level, the introduction of Cobra II will enhance the flexibility and survivability of Romanian light and medium units, complementing existing Piranha 5 8×8 armoured vehicles and future infantry fighting vehicles. Strategically, the programme strengthens Romania’s role on NATO’s eastern flank while deepening defence-industrial cooperation with Türkiye. As deliveries accelerate and local production reaches full tempo, Cobra II is set to become a core element of Romania’s land forces for decades to come.

By Sabina Mammadli