Norway's new battle tank has rolled out from the supplier
Norway's first new battle tank Leopard 2 A8 NOR has now officially rolled out from the factory of the German supplier KNDS. The acquisition of the new tanks marks a historic strengthening of the land forces and is the largest single investment ever made in the Norwegian Army.
The rollout of Norway’s first new battle tank took place at the German supplier KNDS in Munich, Germany, on 19 November. Present were Germany’s Minister of Defence Boris Pistorius, State Secretary Marte Gerhardsen of the Norwegian Ministry of Defence, Director Gro Jære of the Norwegian Defence Materiel Agency, and Army Chief Lars Lervik.
The new Norwegian battle tanks now being rolled out are among the most modern and digitised ever produced, and they replace the Armed Forces’ more than 30-year-old Leopard 2 A4 tanks.
– Battle tanks are the Army’s main combat system, both in Norway and among our closest allies. This rollout marks an important milestone and is a decisive step in strengthening the Armed Forces. Close defence cooperation in Europe is becoming increasingly important in today’s security environment. By purchasing German tanks, we ensure that Norway has the same type of battle tanks as our Nordic neighbours and close allies. This provides excellent opportunities for cooperation on maintenance, training and spare parts. The acquisition also underscores the strong political and industrial partnership between Norway and Germany, says State Secretary Marte Gerhardsen of the Ministry of Defence.
Norway has ordered 54 new Leopard 2 A8 NOR battle tanks from the supplier KNDS. The project’s price-adjusted cost frame is NOK 23.4 billion. The project is on schedule, and the vehicles are now ready for testing and verification. According to plan, delivery of the tanks to Norway will begin in April 2026, and all vehicles are expected to be delivered by 2028. The integration of the tanks into the Army is planned to start in 2027.
– In this acquisition we have followed an ambitious and tight schedule, and no milestones have been delayed. Based on our previously strong cooperation with the supplier KNDS, I look forward to the continuation of this delivery and the introduction of new, state-of-the-art battle tanks to the Army, says Gro Jære, Director of the Norwegian Defence Materiel Agency.
– The battle tanks give the Army an offensive capability with a combination of firepower, mobility and protection that no other combat systems can match. They are the cornerstone in building up Brigade Nord to meet NATO’s force goals for a mechanised infantry brigade. Supplemented by world-leading air defence, sensors and new drone systems, we are in the process of building one of the most modern brigades in the world, says Army Chief Lars Lervik.
– This rollout is a visible demonstration of the close cooperation between KNDS Germany and Norway, including our valued Norwegian industrial partner RITEK, which plays a central role in production, and Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace, which contributes technology. The rollout highlights the spirit of cooperation and friendship between our two nations and their defence industries, says CEO Ralf Ketzel of KNDS Germany.
A significant part of the new battle tanks will be produced in Norway. 37 of the 54 tanks will be assembled by the company Ritek in Trøndelag, which is an important subcontractor to KNDS for Leopard 2 battle tanks.
– The Norwegian production marks an important development for Norway’s defence industry. It will create jobs and strengthen Norway’s readiness and ability to maintain the tanks, says Director Gro Jære of the Norwegian Defence Materiel Agency.