Morocco Orders 200 Cobra II Armored Vehicles From Otokar
The Royal Moroccan Armed Forces (FAR) recently ordered 200 COBRA II armored vehicles from Turkey’s leading ground system manufacturer, Otokar. According to the manufacturer, the order, worth approximately $136 million, includes spare parts, maintenance equipment, and training services in addition to the armored vehicles.
Otokar’s deliveries to the north African country are expected to begin at the end of 2024 and be completed in batches over the next year. Twenty of Otokar’s armored vehicles will be used as part of UN Peacekeeping Missions, according to news reports in Morocco’s media and Africa Intelligence. Which units will use the remaining vehicles and for what purposes are currently unknown.
The OTOKAR COBRA II is an upgraded version of the Cobra I armored vehicle, which has been successfully utilized by numerous foreign users and the Turkish Armed Forces since 1997. In comparison to its predecessor, the COBRA II boasts improved ballistic and mine protection, a larger interior volume, increased load capacity, and enhanced mobility. These armored vehicles, designed for high performance in all types of climates, regions, and terrains, including residential and rural areas, can carry up to 11 personnel, including the driver.
The COBRA II armored vehicle series provides a versatile platform to meet a wide range of operational requirements. The various variants include the Anti-Aircraft Missile Launching Platform, Anti-Tank Vehicle, Command and Control Vehicle, Field Ambulance/Medical Evacuation Vehicle, Homeland Security Vehicle, Jammer Platform, Mine Resistant Ambush Protected Vehicle (MRAP), Mortar Fire Detection Radar Vehicle, Personnel Carrier with Dual RCWS, and Open Cupola Personnel Carrier. COBRA II also has a Mobile SATCOM variant for on-the-go communications and a Rescue variant for assistance and towing in a variety of scenarios.
The OTOKAR COBRA II measures 6.4 meters in length (including the winch and spare wheel), 2.5 meters in width, and 2.3 meters in height. It has a ground clearance of 400mm and a gross weight of 13 tons. COBRA II is outfitted with a powerful turbocharged diesel engine producing 360 horsepower, an automatic transmission, and a two-speed transfer case with differential lock. The vehicle’s suspension system, which includes locked differentials and geared wheel hubs on both axles, provides complete independence via springs and shock absorbers. This enables the vehicle to reach a top speed of 110 km/h and navigate steep slopes of up to 60% and side slopes of up to 30%. The braking system is a dual-circuit disc type with ABS, providing dependable stopping power. The COBRA II has a power-assisted steering wheel that is adjustable and can be configured for right or left steering. In addition, the 395/85 R20 tires have a run-flat system to improve reliability. Additionally, the COBRA II armored vehicle has various features such as Central Tire Inflation System, Automatic Fire Extinguishing and Explosion Suppression System, Radio/Intercom System and Ramp Door with Emergency Exit.