This move follows Otokar’s contract with the Romanian Ministry of Defence, signed in November 2024, for the delivery of 1,059 COBRA II vehicles. The contract, valued at 4.26 billion LEI, was awarded after Otokar’s successful bid in a tender launched by C.N. Romtehnica S.A. in March 2024.
Under the contract, the first 278 vehicles will be delivered from Turkey, with the remaining units to be produced in Romania over a five-year period starting in the last quarter of 2025. The project also includes integrated logistics support services for the Romanian Armed Forces.
The newly formed JV company will be equally owned, with Otokar Land Systems SRL and Automecanica S.A. each holding a 50% stake. This initiative aims to bolster local industrial capability and create a sustainable defence production base in Romania.
Otokar CEO Aykut Özüner stated, “Being a global player in the defense industry, Otokar has become Turkey’s largest land platform exporter. This step will be one of the main milestones in Otokar’s growth strategy in defense industry, contributing to our company’s expansion in global markets.”
Sedef Vehbi, Otokar Military Cluster Head, highlighted the significance of the JV in strengthening Otokar’s footprint in Europe. “In line of our localization and challenging delivery commitments to the esteemed Romanian government, we selected Romania’s Automecanica S.A as our trusted local partner following a rigorous and comprehensive evaluation process,” she said.
Vehbi also noted the broader strategic impact of the partnership. “Through this JV, Romania will become a strategic hub for European operations of Otokar,” she added.
Andrei Scobioala, Chairman of Automecanica S.A., expressed strong support for the collaboration. “Our unwavering commitment to this project leaves no room for doubt—this partnership will be a key driver in advancing Romania’s local defense capabilities,” he said.
The COBRA II, used by over 20 end users in 13 countries, is designed as a modular platform adaptable to diverse mission needs. With over four decades of defence expertise, Otokar’s vehicles are currently in service in more than 40 countries worldwide.
