The centrepiece of Otokar’s presence at BSDA 2026 in Bucharest is the first COBRA II armoured vehicle manufactured in Romania.
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Press Release, Ankara, 13 May 2026: Otokar showcases a great milestone in European land systems manufacturing and reinforces its long-term commitment to Romania. Otokar, a member of Turkey’s Koç Group celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2026, displays three different platforms at Black Sea Defense & Aerospace: the first COBRA II vehicle produced in Romania; TULPAR IFV; and Next-Generation UGV. The company is exhibiting from May 13–15, 2026 at Romaero Complex, Bucharest.
The First Cobra II Off the Production Line In Romania: The centrepiece of Otokar’s presence at BSDA 2026 is the first COBRA II armoured vehicle manufactured in Romania. The vehicle has rolled off the production line at the Mediaș facility, where the mass production scheduled to kick off in June 2026.
Commenting on the company’s participation and its manufacturing milestone, Otokar General Manager Aykut Özüner said: “We are proud to present the very first COBRA II manufactured in Romania to the BSDA visitors. Our showcase constitutes a firm commitment for the country’s defence industry as well as fulfilling our obligations within the ATBTU project, which is progressing in line with the original plans. Beyond delivering NATO-standard armoured vehicles and their manufacturing capabilities to Romania, we see the country as a strategic hub on managing our European defence contracts.”
In due course, the announcement of Otokar’s acquisition agreement of Automecanica S.A. along with the manufacturing facility in Mediaș on April 29, 2026 – a transaction valued at approximately €85 million, covering 96.77% of Automecanica’s shares – is a huge milestone for local defence capabilities. Upon the local approvals expected within the upcoming months, this acquisition will formally make Otokar a European, but more importantly a Romanian, defence manufacturer.
Within the 1,059 units of COBRA II ATBTU programme, over 270 vehicles were manufactured in Otokar facilities in Türkiye and handed over to the Romanian Armed Forces. Under the programme, the remaining vehicles will be produced locally in Romania, embedding advanced manufacturing, engineering and know-how directly into the Romanian industrial base.
Preferred by more than 20 end users in over 13 countries, COBRA II delivers superior ballistic and mine protection, high mobility, and large internal volume. The vehicle is available in multiple configurations – including Armoured Personnel Carrier, Anti-Tank, Reconnaissance & Surveillance, CBRN, Command & Control, Recovery, and Medical Evacuation- all built on a common modular platform.
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