Otokar’s CEO on Fulfilling $1 Billion Contract with Romania

Ibrahim Aykut Ozuner, CEO of Otokar, one of Turkey’s leading defense manufacturers, recently outlined the company’s strategic goals for 2025 in an interview with Anadolu Agency’s Technology Desk. He detailed plans to expand in Europe, focus on electric mobility, and advance military vehicle technology.

According to Ozuner, Otokar’s top priority for the coming year is delivering on a $1 billion contract with Romania. The agreement includes the production of 278 COBRA II armored vehicles within a year, with future units to be manufactured locally in Romania through a strategic partnership. He noted that technology transfer has become an essential component of defense contracts globally, and Otokar’s collaboration with Romania reflects this trend.

This contract, Otokar’s second major European defense project after Estonia, reinforces the company’s position as a key player in the region. Ozuner highlighted the ARMA II platform as a flagship product, featuring two engine variants, including one developed domestically. Both configurations, he confirmed, have passed rigorous testing and are ready for large-scale production. He also emphasized Otokar’s ability to adapt cutting-edge technology across its portfolio, including the Cobra, Tulpar, and Alpar platforms.

In the commercial vehicle sector, Otokar is sharpening its focus on electric mobility. Ozuner pointed to the sale of nearly 4,000 electric buses in Europe last year as a sign of the market’s growth potential. He shared that Otokar has already seen success with its electric vehicle line, particularly in Italy, and is advancing efforts to introduce electric school buses and urban transportation solutions.

The CEO also discussed innovations in autonomous technology, specifically the Alpar armored vehicle, which has demonstrated fully autonomous and remote-control capabilities. This breakthrough enables the vehicle to perform various high-risk missions effectively.

Looking ahead, Otokar plans to strengthen its presence in key European markets, including Germany and Nordic countries. Ozuner expressed the company’s ambition to establish production facilities within the European Union, describing this step as a pivotal milestone in its growth strategy. Currently ranked as Europe’s fourth-largest commercial vehicle manufacturer, Otokar aims to capitalize on its position to accelerate growth and innovation in both defense and mobility sectors.

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