Turkish Company Otokar Enters EU Armored Vehicle Market with “Kobra 2” Contract
Turkish company Otokar has commenced the production and delivery of 278 “Kobra 2” armored vehicles to Romania under its largest-ever export contract. These 4×4 vehicles are part of the contract signed in November 2022 for the supply of 1,059 Kobra 2 vehicles to the Romanian Ministry of National Defence.
İbrahim Yılmaz Özüner, CEO of Otokar, announced that the first shipment will be delivered by the end of November 2023. He stated that approximately 170 vehicles have been produced so far, and simultaneously, the production infrastructure at the new Romanian factory has been completed. This factory is planned to be officially inaugurated in late September or early October 2023.
Starting from 2024, vehicle production and delivery will begin on Romanian soil. This project is considered Otokar’s largest undertaking in its history in terms of volume, technology, and strategic importance.
By launching this factory, Otokar has formally entered the European Union (EU) market. This presence could create opportunities for participation in European military projects and access to EU funding sources.
Özüner also mentioned the potential for collaboration on future projects, including the supply of infantry fighting vehicles such as the “Tulpar” model to Romania. He emphasized that production in Europe will strengthen the company’s position in future contracts.
