Turkish Otokar to produce “Cobra” armoured vehicles in Romania

The implementation of a major contract between Turkish company Otokar and the Romanian Ministry of Defence for the supply of 1,059 COBRA II (4x4) armoured vehicles is entering a new phase.

Otokar continues production, delivery, and investment activities under the tender for 4×4 tactical light armoured vehicles announced by Romania’s Ministry of National Defence through C.N. Romtehnica S.A., Caliber.Az reports via Turkish media.

Valued at approximately €857 million, the contract is currently the largest single-armoured vehicle export deal in the history of the Turkish defence industry.

During project implementation, Otokar faced claims totalling 1.952 billion (approximately $44.6 million ) and 2.326 billion Turkish lira (approximately $53.2 million) over alleged delays in meeting intermediate goals for local production preparation and delivery schedules.

The company has begun negotiations to acquire 96.77% of its Romanian partner Automecanica SA for around €85 million, with the deal expected to close in April.

Through this acquisition, Otokar aims to take a strategic step toward global expansion, becoming a defence company producing armoured vehicles at its own facility in the European Union and participating more actively in EU defence programmes.

By Vugar Khalilov