Turkish firm Otokar edges closer to delivering 278 COBRA II armored vehicles, planning the launch of a production facility in Romania
Otokar's New Romanian Production Facility Nears Completion
Otokar, a leading Turkish defense company, is preparing to launch its new production facility in Romania by late August or early September 2025. The facility, located in Mediaș near Sibiu, is currently 85% complete and is expected to be fully operational soon [1][2].
This new facility will be instrumental in producing the remaining 781 COBRA II armored vehicles of the 1,059-vehicle export contract signed with the Romanian Ministry of Defense last November [1][2][3]. The initial batch of 278 vehicles is currently being produced in Otokar's Sakarya, Turkey plant.
The launch of the Romanian facility marks a significant milestone for Otokar, as it represents the largest single-item armored land vehicle export contract in Turkey’s defense industry. The facility will employ approximately 150-180 people by Q4 2025, with an initial significant portion of personnel transferred from Otokar before transitioning to a fully local workforce [1].
Otokar's entry into Romania and the European Union is a strategic move aimed at establishing and marketing armored vehicle production and development in the region. The company is working in joint venture with local company Automecanica S.A., with the aim of localizing R&D and production capabilities, promoting these vehicles under the Romanian venture instead of Otokar Turkey [3].
The success of the Romania project could position Otokar for new opportunities within the European Union. Otokar General Manager Ibrahim Aykut Ozuner has stated that the delivery of 278 vehicles will be completed by the end of November [4]. Deliveries from production in Romania are expected to begin in the first quarter of next year [1][2].
So far, around 170 vehicles have been produced, with the first 278 vehicles being produced in Sakarya, Turkey [5]. If a need for Otokar's TULPAR vehicle becomes concrete in Romania, the company will make every effort to fulfill it [6]. Otokar displayed a Romanian vehicle equipped with an open turret at the 17th International Defense Industry Fair (IDEF 2025) [7].
The new facility will create an opportunity for projects financed with European Union funds, and Otokar plans to carry out some engineering activities in Romania, which could generate added value locally and open the door to other potential projects within the European Union [3]. Otokar views possible projects in Romania and the region as additional opportunities after setting foot in Europe.
References:
[1] Defense News. (2025, July 26). Otokar's Romanian production facility nears completion. Retrieved from https://www.defensenews.com/land/2025/07/26/otokars-romanian-production-facility-nears-completion/
[2] Defense Industry Daily. (2025, July 27). Otokar's Romanian Production Facility to Start Deliveries in Q1 2026. Retrieved from https://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/otokars-romanian-production-facility-to-start-deliveries-in-q1-2026-04738/
[3] Defense Turkey. (2025, July 28). Otokar's Romanian production facility: A strategic step for the Turkish defense industry. Retrieved from https://www.defenseturkey.com/otokars-romanian-production-facility-a-strategic-step-for-the-turkish-defense-industry/
[4] Anadolu Agency. (2025, July 30). Otokar to deliver 278 armored vehicles to Romania by end of November. Retrieved from https://www.aa.com.tr/en/business/otokar-to-deliver-278-armored-vehicles-to-romania-by-end-of-november/2313041
[5] Defense Industry Daily. (2025, August 2). Otokar's Romanian Production Facility: Progress Report. Retrieved from https://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/otokars-romanian-production-facility-progress-report-04744/
[6] Defense News. (2025, August 4). Otokar eyes potential TULPAR sales in Romania. Retrieved from https://www.defensenews.com/land/2025/08/04/otokar-eyes-potential-tulpar-sales-in-romania/
[7] Defense Turkey. (2025, August 6). Otokar showcases Cobra II armored vehicle at IDEF 2025. Retrieved from https://www.defenseturkey.com/otokar-showcases-cobra-ii-armored-vehicle-at-idef-2025/
- The Turkish defense company, Otokar, is poised to expand its technology and manufacturing influence in Europe, as its new production facility in Romania, located in Mediaș near Sibiu, will soon be completed, producing the remaining armored vehicles for the European Union.
- Otokar's strategic move into Romania and the European Union is not only a significant step for the Turkish defense industry but also a potential entry point into other EU markets. The company is preparing for potential projects in sports, general-news, and beyond, as it localizes Research & Development and production capabilities in Europe.
- The inauguration of Otokar's Romanian facility in Istanbul will undoubtedly catapult the Turkish defense sector onto the European stage, potentially leading to collaborations with the European Union and revitalizing the sports, technology, and general-news sectors in Turkey and Europe.
