BREAKING NEWS
Otokar's first European production facility in Mediaş, Romania has officially begun delivering COBRA II armored vehicles to the Romanian Armed Forces. This development marks a significant milestone in Turkey's largest single-contract armored vehicle export, comprising 1,059 units. Following the delivery of vehicles manufactured in Turkey, the first COBRA II units produced entirely at the Mediaş facility have now been handed over to Romanian military forces.
Otokar is among Turkey's leading defense industry organizations, providing internationally standardized solutions in armored vehicle design and engineering. The company's investment in Mediaş represents its first production facility within European Union borders. The facility spans approximately 140,000 square meters and features NATO-standard infrastructure alongside modern manufacturing equipment. Currently, approximately 300 employees work at the facility, with workforce numbers expected to approach 400 in the near term based on production volume.
The COBRA II armored vehicle is a multi-purpose platform designed in 4x4 configuration. It is produced in various configurations including personnel carrier, reconnaissance vehicle, remote-controlled weapon system (RCWS) integrated variant, CBRN reconnaissance vehicle, and ambulance. Of the 1,059 units ordered by Romania, more than 780 will be manufactured at the Mediaş facility over a five-year period. To date, approximately 300 vehicles have been delivered, with 216 units scheduled for delivery in 2026, including four new variants.
The COBRA II platform has established itself successfully in the international market since 2013. To date, the vehicle has been selected by more than 20 users across 13 countries, with over 600 units operational within NATO structures. Operating in 30 different variants across various global locations, the COBRA II demonstrates Otokar's design and engineering capabilities. This success reflects Turkish defense industry's competitive position and technological capacity in the international market.
The establishment of the Mediaş facility provides Romania with long-term gains in advanced manufacturing knowledge, technology transfer, and engineering capabilities. The facility will not only meet the needs of the Romanian Armed Forces but also support future export opportunities within NATO and European Union defense programs, positioning itself as a regional land systems center. Quality standards applied at Turkey's production facilities are implemented identically at Mediaş, enabling Romania to develop complete industrial infrastructure for all stages of 4x4 armored vehicle manufacturing.
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