The Norwegian Government has purchased 54 Leopard 2A7-type battle tanks from the German company Krauss-Maffei Wegmann.
There is now a signed option to purchase an additional 18 automobiles. The delivery of the first of the brand-new tanks is anticipated for the year 2026. This is an undeniable boost to Norway’s defence capability and overall readiness as a nation.
“The new tanks are of great importance for the Armed Forces and represent a significant reinforcement of the Army. Close defense cooperation in Europe is becoming increasingly important in the current security situation.
We assure that Norway has the same type of tanks as our Nordic neighbors and close allies by purchasing German tanks for them. “We are also working to deepen our ties with Germany in terms of our security strategy,” says Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Stre.
“Ensuring everyone’s security through good national preparation is one of our most important tasks as political leaders. The Government prioritizes defense and preparation. Securing Norway’s new tanks is an important part of this preparation work.
This investment increases our combat power on the ground and will significantly reinforce the Norwegian Army. This agreement also offers great opportunities for the Norwegian defense industry and workplaces through industrial cooperation,” says Finance Minister Trygve Slagsvold Vedum.
The current tanks were purchased and used in 2001 and are ready to be replaced. The Army has evaluated two good candidates, and tests show that both are very good, modern tanks that meet all the requirements for a new, modern tank capability.
Other important factors have also been considered in this choice of tanks, such as industrial conditions, bilateral cooperation conditions, and logistic and post-supply conditions.
Following careful consideration of all relevant factors, the Government has decided that the German option presented by the Leopard 2A7 is the best one for Norway.
“Tanks are the main combat system of the Army both in Norway and with our most important allies. Tanks are also essential to fulfill our obligations in NATO. By upgrading our defense with modern equipment, we contribute to strengthening NATO, which is very important in the current dire security policy situation.
We have highly qualified personnel operating current tanks, and we are pleased to announce that we have chosen to purchase new modern tanks,” says Defense Minister Bjørn Arild Gram.
The Government wants to buy mainly 54 battle tanks but is open to being able to acquire another 18 more. It is planned to introduce the vehicles in the period 2026-2031 progressively.
The acquisition is within the cost cap of NOK 19.7 billion set by the Storting. The cost framework covers more than the actual purchase of the tanks. The actual negotiated price is confidential business information.
