Otokar Unveils First Romanian-Built COBRA II in BSDA 2026

Otokar proves its dedication to Romania with TULPAR IFV and Next-Generation UGV for the upcoming requirements
 
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; the first COBRA II vehicle produced in Romania, TULPAR IFV and Next-Generation UGV at Black Sea Defense & Aerospace (BSDA). The company is exhibiting at Stand C1101 from May 13–15, 2026 at Romaero Complex, Bucharest.
 
THE FIRST COBRA II CAME OUT FROM THE PRODUCTION LINE IN ROMANIA
 
The centerpiece of Otokar's presence at BSDA 2026 is the first COBRA II armored 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 defense industry as well as fulfilling our obligations within the ATBTU project, which is progressing in line with the original plans. Beyond delivering NATO-standard armored vehicles and their manufacturing capabilities to Romania, we see the country as a strategic hub on managing our European defense 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 defense capabilities.
Upon the local approvals expected within the upcoming months, this acquisition will formally make Otokar a European but more importantly a Romanian defense manufacturer.
 
Within the 1,059 units of COBRA II ATBTU program, over 270 vehicles were manufactured in Otokar facilities in Türkiye and handed over to the Romanian Armed Forces. Under the program, 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 Armored Personnel Carrier, Anti-Tank, Reconnaissance & Surveillance, CBRN, Command & Control, Recovery, and Medical Evacuation- all built on a common modular platform.
 
TULPAR: TRACKED COMBAT VEHICLE ALIGNED WITH CURRENT AND FUTURE REQUIREMENTS
 
Also, on display at Otokar's stand is TULPAR, the company's next-generation modular tracked armored combat vehicle, showcased with the Otokar MIZRAK 30mm turret system. TULPAR reflects Otokar's tracked vehicle capability, bringing together firepower, mobility, and protection within a modern platform architecture aligned with current and future land force operational concepts.
 
TULPAR is designed as a multi-purpose tracked vehicle with variants ranging from 28,000 kg to 45,000 kg, enabling adaptation to diverse mission profiles. Available configurations include Light/Medium Tank, Infantry Fighting Vehicle, Recovery Vehicle, Mortar Vehicle, Air Defense Weapon Carrier, Fire Support, and Medical Evacuation Vehicle- all sharing common subsystems. Tested in the toughest climates and on rough terrain, TULPAR offers high ballistic and mine protection through modular armor.
 
Otokar's Military Cluster Head, Sedef Vehbi, said: "We have a strong desire to act as Romania’s land platforms manufacturer across a wide range and to meet the requirements of both Romania and the wider region. In this context, we plan to continue the development of the Tracked Infantry Fighting Vehicle (IFV) in Romania, targeting the potential needs of Romania as well as other European countries, based on our fully qualified Tulpar platform.”
 
UGV DEVELOPED FOR ROMANIA: A CONSORTIUM FOR THE FUTURE
 
Rounding out Otokar's BSDA 2026 stand is a Multirole Unmanned Ground Vehicle (UGV) developed specifically for the Romanian Armed Forces, presented through a consortium formed by Otokar, BlueSpace Technologies and Elektroland Defense, a pioneer in autonomous systems from Türkiye.
 
Built on a modular 6x6 platform and designed for NATO interoperability, the UGV is engineered to support a wide range of operational missions while reducing personnel exposure in high-threat environments. The 6x6 UGV platform design is based on a unique architecture of the chassis structure, electric drivetrain, battery technology, and mobility subsystems. BlueSpace is responsible for navigation, autonomous systems, secure communication protocols and cybersecurity.
 
Ms. Vehbi added: "Otokar, BlueSpace Technologies and Elektroland have combined their strengths under a single consortium to address Romania's Multirole UGV requirement. This project aims to strengthen Romania's defense ecosystem and build a permanent, locally-anchored capability in unmanned systems."
 
OTOKAR AND ROMANIA: A STRATEGIC LONG-TERM PARTNER
 
Romania is the ninth European country to which Otokar has exported military vehicles. Beyond the current COBRA II program, Otokar aims to provide Romania with a modern NATO-standard production infrastructure, while contributing engineering and manufacturing capabilities and creating new export opportunities for the country.
 
With more than 33,000 military vehicles in service with over 80 end users across nearly 50 countries, and as a longstanding supplier to both NATO and the United Nations since the 1980s, Otokar brings proven global expertise and a deep commitment to local industrial development.
 
Mr. Özüner added: "Romania is not just a market for us -it is a long-term industrial partner. Our presence here is about building lasting capability."