Otokar and Automecanica join forces to manufacture armored vehicles in Romania

Otokar, the defense systems division of Turkey’s largest conglomerate, Koç Group, has signed a joint venture agreement with one of Romania’s most prominent defense companies, Automecanica, to manufacture armored vehicles in Romania, contributing to the development of the country’s defense capabilities.

The joint venture will manufacture Otokar COBRA II 4×4 armored vehicles and carry out activities such as engineering, marketing, and after-sales services. Under the terms of the agreement, Otokar Land Systems SRL and Automecanica S.A. will each hold a 50% stake in the joint company.

Approximately 800 armored vehicles will be manufactured by Automecanica S.A. in Mediaș.

Aykut Özüner, CEO of Otokar: “Otokar is Turkey’s largest land systems exporter,” and he emphasized this agreement as “one of the most important milestones in Otokar’s growth strategy within the defense industry. As a global player, Otokar proudly operates in many regions across the world, with our military vehicles actively serving in over 40 countries.
As part of our ongoing project in Romania, we are excited to announce the establishment of our new joint venture company that will manufacture the legendary COBRA II vehicles in Romania. This milestone is a key part of Otokar’s expansion strategy into global markets.”

Otokar aims to transform Romania into a strategic hub for its operations across Europe.

Sedef Vehbi, Head of Otokar’s Military Division: “We reaffirm Otokar’s commitment to expanding its presence in Europe, and we are fully prepared to meet Romania’s requirements. Through this partnership, Romania will become a strategic hub for Otokar’s European operations.
We are extremely proud to have been selected by the Romanian Ministry of National Defense for this landmark project. In line with our commitments to localization and reliable delivery under challenging conditions to the esteemed Romanian government, we selected Automecanica S.A. as our trusted local partner following a rigorous and comprehensive evaluation process.
The company’s proven technical expertise and manufacturing capabilities were instrumental in this decision. Now is the time for execution—and as shareholders, we are enthusiastic and fully committed to delivering excellence while further strengthening Romania’s defense capabilities.”

The Otokar – Automecanica joint venture will focus on contributing to the development of local defense capabilities in Romania.

Andrei Scobiola, CEO of Automecanica S.A.: “We are one of the most capable companies in Romania’s defense industry. Automecanica S.A. is thrilled to strengthen this strategic alliance with Otokar. This collaboration marks an important step in supporting the Romanian Armed Forces and boosting the national economy through the operations of our factory.
Our unwavering commitment to this project is beyond question—this partnership will play a key role in advancing Romania’s local defense capabilities.”