Turkish defense companies’ focus on European production infrastructures and deepening their high-tech cooperation with the Gulf countries received wide coverage in the international defense media. According to the news of US-based Defense News, Otokar’s move to purchase the defense company Automecanica in Romania revealed its goal of permanent industrial presence in Europe. According to the analysis of the Breaking Defense publication, the negotiations between Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) with Saudi Arabia for the KAAN fighter jet take defense partnerships in the Middle East to a new stage.
OTOKAR IS ESTABLISHING A BASE IN EUROPE
According to the news of US-based international defense publication Defense News, Turkish armored vehicle manufacturer Otokar Otomotiv signed a memorandum of understanding to purchase 96.77 percent of the shares of Romania-based defense company Automecanica. According to the notification made to the Public Disclosure Platform (KAP), the transaction is aimed to be completed by the end of April 2026. In the publication’s analysis, it was also stated that the total company value in the acquisition calculation was approximately 87.8 million euros and a size of approximately 85 million euros was indicated for the targeted share. According to Defense News analysis, this step is considered in US defense circles as part of Otokar’s strategy to permanently expand its industrial power in Europe.
COBRA II VEHICLE TO ROMANIA
According to information provided by Defense News Otokar has won a major contract worth approximately 857 million euros (approximately $1 billion) and covering 1,059 vehicles for the supply of Cobra II 4×4 armored vehicles for Romania. While it was stated that 800 of the vehicles would be produced in Romania within the scope of the agreement, the company established its subsidiary called Otokar Land Systems SRL for this process.
SAUDI ARABIA’S INTEREST IN KAAN
In an extensive analysis article published in Breaking Defense, another US-based international defense publication, it was stated that the decision process regarding Saudi Arabia’s participation in the KAAN fifth generation fighter jet program developed by Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) is at the final stage. In the evaluation made at the World Defense Show 2026 Fair, It was stated that a possible cooperation could include different models, from a sale of approximately 20 aircraft to sharing local production. According to Breaking Defense analysis, Riyadh’s plan to realize 50 percent of defense production within the country within the scope of ‘Vision 2030’ defense targets accelerates the search for joint production with foreign companies.
FIRST DELIVERY TO TURKISH ARMY
According to Breaking Defense’s analysis, it was reported that F110 engines produced by US-based General Electric will be used in the first phase within the scope of the KAAN program, and TAI has sufficient engine stock for the production of 10 prototype aircraft. According to the information in the analysis article, The first deliveries are planned to be made to the Turkish Air Force at the beginning of 2029. The analysis also stated that the aircraft is targeted for a domestic engine in the Block 30 configuration, and the first test of this engine is envisaged for 2032 and the final delivery for 2033. The analysis article also included the information that TAI signed a memorandum of understanding with the General Authority of Military Industries of Saudi Arabia for the joint production of the Gökbey utility helicopter.
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