Otokar marked a significant milestone at the BSDA 2026 defence fair held in Bucharest, the capital of Romania. The company showcased the first COBRA II armoured vehicle produced at the Automecanica plant it had previously purchased for €85 million. The COBRA II displayed at the fair holds the distinction of being the first Turkish armoured vehicle produced within the borders of the European Union.
Otokar, part of the Koç Group celebrating its 100th anniversary this year, participated in the fair with three vehicles. In addition to the COBRA II, the TULPAR tracked armoured combat vehicle and a new-generation unmanned ground vehicle developed for Romania were also featured at the fair.
COBRA II is Now European
Otokar General Manager Aykut Özüner emphasised local production in his statements regarding the fair:
"We continue to achieve firsts in the defence industry with technology transfer and local production. We are proud that the COBRA II is the first Turkish armoured vehicle produced within the borders of the European Union."
Özüner also stated in his remarks that Romania is positioned not just as a production point but as a strategic hub:
"We are not only providing Romania with the capability to produce NATO-standard armoured vehicles; we are also considering Romania as a strategic centre where we will manage our defence procurement processes in Europe."
270 Vehicles in the Field, Local Production Started in Romania
Otokar had won the tender for 1,059 vehicles opened by the Romanian Ministry of National Defence in 2024. Within the scope of the agreement worth approximately €857 million, more than 270 COBRA IIs were produced in Türkiye, delivered to the Romanian Army, and began active duty in the field. The first of the vehicles to be produced locally in Romania rolled off the production line and met visitors at the BSDA 2026 Fair.
Preferred by over 20 users in 13 countries worldwide, the COBRA II was specially configured according to the specific technical and tactical needs of the Romanian army. Available in many versions, from personnel carrier to command and control vehicle, the vehicle offers high ballistic and mine protection as well as superior mobility in all types of terrain.
TULPAR Eyes the Regional Market
The world-renowned TULPAR tracked armoured combat vehicle was another platform featured at Otokar's stand. The vehicle, which can be adapted to different mission profiles with its modular structure expandable from 28 to 45 tonnes, has proven its capabilities through extensive tests in challenging climate and terrain conditions.
Sedef Vehbi, Deputy General Manager of Otokar Military Vehicles, said, "We are ready to meet all kinds of land system requirements of Romania and the region. We believe that TULPAR will be the ideal solution for the armoured combat vehicle needs of the Romanian Armed Forces and the region."
Unmanned Ground Vehicle for Romania from a Tripartite Consortium
One of the striking innovations displayed at BSDA 2026 was the Multi-Purpose Unmanned Ground Vehicle developed for Romania. Otokar brought this vehicle to life by forming a consortium with BlueSpace Technologies, a leading Romanian defence industry company, and ElektroLand, a pioneering Turkish company in autonomous technologies.
Sedef Vehbi summarised the project's goal with these words: "With this project, we aim to strengthen Romania's defence industry ecosystem and create a lasting local capacity in the field of unmanned systems." Designed as a modular 6x6 platform compatible with NATO systems, the UGV was developed to adapt to a wide range of missions.
Permanent Presence in Europe
Otokar's participation in the fair reflects the company's long-term strategy in the European market. Having gained the identity of a European manufacturer by acquiring a production facility in Romania, the company now leads a consortium developing unmanned systems in the same country. This multi-dimensional structuring creates the groundwork for Otokar to enter future tenders in Europe and NATO geography under much more advantageous conditions.
