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Norway will acquire more than 50 Leopard 2 main battle tanks in a deal worth $2.78 billion to significantly strengthen the Norwegian Army.
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German Krauss-Maffei Wegmann has been contracted to supply 54 of the third-generation German main battle tanks starting in 2026 to 2031, with an additional 18 units optional.
The German-manufactured main battle tanks feature a 120mm smoothbore gun and two 7.62mm coaxial light machine guns and are operated by a crew of four. The tank has seen service across multiple countries, including Germany, the Netherlands, Austria, Canada, Chile, Denmark, Finland, Greece, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Singapore, Switzerland, Sweden, Spain, and Turkey.
Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre said the new tanks would replace existing models purchased in 2001.
“The government has decided to acquire 54 main battle tanks of the Leopard 2 type, with an option to purchase an additional 18 units,” he said.
“The first MBTs are expected to be delivered in 2026. This represents a clear strengthening of Norwegian defence capability and national preparedness.
“New main battle tanks are of great importance to the Armed Forces, significantly strengthening the Army.
“In today’s security situation, European defence cooperation is becoming increasingly important. By procuring German tanks, we ensure that Norway has the same type of tanks as our Nordic neighbours and close allies. We are also forging closer security policy ties with Germany.”
The Norwegian government considered two separate candidates for the modern main battle tank capacity deal and evaluated each on industrial cooperation, operational cooperation, logistics and life-cycle support.
Minister of Finance Trygve Slagsvold Vedum said the government has concluded that the German alternative with Leopard 2 is the best for Norway.
“Ensuring everyone’s safety through national preparedness is one of the most important tasks we have as political leaders,” Minister Vedum said.
“The government prioritizes defense and preparedness. Securing Norway new tanks is an important part of this preparedness.
“This investment increases our combat power on land, will strengthen the Norwegian Army significantly, while also offering great opportunities for Norwegian defence industry and work force through industrial cooperation.”
The Norwegian Armed Forces will also be exploring further investments in other capacities, such as long-range precision fire, as the Chief of Defence presents a report regarding army future development later this year.
Minister of Defence Bjørn Arild Gram said Germany is among Norway’s main partners in the field of defence and security policy.
“Main battle tanks are the Army’s main combat system in Norway and for our most important allies. MBTs are also central in fulfilling our obligations to NATO,” Minister Gram said.
“By upgrading our defence with modern equipment, we make NATO stronger, which is paramount in the current security situation.
“We have highly skilled and motivated personnel operating our current MBTs, and we are happy to announce that we have now chosen to buy a new modern version.
“The procurement and industrial cooperation on main battle tanks with Germany builds on and reinforces an already established strategic materiel and industrial cooperation.”
