Otokar becomes first Turkish defence firm to manufacture armoured vehicles abroad

10/22/2012  Defence IQ Press

Marking the first time a Turkish defence company has ever produced military kit abroad, armoured vehicle manufacturer Otokar has announced that it is expanding its global manufacturing capability by establishing a base in Kazakhstan, according to reports.

Further to the deal earlier this year that saw the Turkish company set to make a number of Cobra vehicles for the Kazakh Army, Otokar is creating a joint venture in the country together with Kazakhstan Engineering.

The Cobra is a 4 x 4 wheeled armoured vehicle which has been developed for a range of different roles. It uses a common base structure and allows for the end-user to request a bespoke specificication, which includes an amphibious capability.

The agreement to create a manufacturing plant in Kazakhstan was thought to have been agreed during the Turkish-Kazakh Investment and Commerce Forum in Istanbul earlier this month.