Otokar Will Supply More Than 1,000 4×4 Armored Vehicles To The Romanian Army
Otokar, Turkey’s leading armored land vehicle manufacturer, was the winner of the tender for the procurement of 4×4 Tactical Wheeled Light Armoured vehicles opened by C.N. Romtehnica S.A. (Romtehnica), a company of the Romanian Ministry of National Defence. This was announced with the Company’s notification to the Public Disclosure Platform (KAP) on 4 October.
Otokar made the following statements in its notification to the Public Disclosure Platform (KAP):
‘In the material event disclosure we made on 20.03.2024, it was shared with the public that our Company submitted a bid for the tender for the purchase of 4×4 Light Armoured Tactical Vehicles which opened by Romanian Ministry of National Defence’s Company C. N. Romtehnica S.A. (Romtehnica). Following the completion of the technical evaluation, field tests, and commercial evaluation processes, the official invitation letter for the contract negotiations has been sent to our Company by the tender authority.’
The tender includes 1059 4×4 Tactical Wheeled Light Armoured Vehicles and integrated logistics support services. Although the model of the vehicles is not specified in the notification, it is known from previous statements that they are Cobra II. The first 278 units of Cobra IIs will be produced at Otokar facilities, while the remaining part will be made in Romania in a structure to be determined in the future. The tender amount is expected to be 4.263.286.655,655,66 RON (Romanian Lei), approximately $930 million at the current exchange rate. However, the program schedule and final budget for the procurement will be determined at the end of the contract negotiations between Romtehnica and Otokar.
OTOKAR COBRA II is an improved version of the Cobra I armored vehicle, which has been used in the field by many foreign users and the Turkish Armed Forces since 1997 and has proven its success. Compared to its predecessor, the COBRA II provides more excellent ballistic and mine protection, a larger interior volume, increased carrying capacity, and better mobility. These armored vehicles, optimized for high performance in all types of climates, regions, and terrain conditions, including residential and rural areas, can carry 11 personnel, including the driver.
The vehicle features a monocoque structure, lacks a chassis, and is fully armored. Cobra II has a total length of 6.4 meters, a width of 2.5 meters, and a weight of 13 tons. Powered by a 360 hp turbocharged diesel engine, the vehicle can reach a top speed of 110 km/h and overcome 60% steep and 30% side slopes. The COBRA II has an adjustable power-assisted steering wheel configured for right or left steering. The armored vehicle also incorporates features such as the Central Tyre Inflation System, Automatic Fire Extinguishing and Explosion Suppression System, Radio/Intercom System, and Ramp Door.