Otokar, Türkiye’s leading land systems exporter and a key supplier to NATO and the United Nations, has completed the acquisition of a majority stake in Automecanica S.A. and its production facility in Mediaș, marking one of the most significant foreign investments in Romania’s defense sector in recent years.

Following the approval of all regulatory authorities, Otokar finalized the acquisition of 96.77% of Automecanica’s share capital in a transaction valued at approximately EUR 85 million. The move transforms Otokar’s Mediaș facility into a major regional land systems hub for NATO-standard armored vehicles and positions Romania as one of Eastern Europe’s most important land systems industry.

The acquisition comes as Romania accelerates the modernization of its armed forces and strengthens industrial capabilities on NATO’s Eastern Flank. Through the investment, Romania gains not only a long-term industrial partner, but also advanced manufacturing know-how, technology transfer, and engineering capabilities. The acquisition strengthens Romania’s strategic autonomy by ensuring that a substantial portion of military vehicle production will take place domestically rather than relying entirely on imports.

This investment will mark a defining step in Otokar’s European industrial strategy and reinforce the company’s long-term commitment to building sovereign defense manufacturing capabilities in Romania, in line with its obligations under the COBRA II ATBTU Program.

Aykut Özüner, Otokar CEO, said the completion of the acquisition reflects the company’s long-term confidence in Romania: “Romania is becoming one of the key defense manufacturing centers in Europe. Our investment is not simply a production decision — it is a strategic partnership focused on industrial growth, technological development, and regional security. We believe Romania has the talent, infrastructure, and strategic importance to become a long-term hub for advanced defense manufacturing.”