The Norwegian military procurement authority NDMA has commissioned German defence company Krauss-Maffei Wegmann with delivering 54 Leopard 2A7 main battle tanks (MBTs). The vehicles are scheduled for delivery from 2026 to 2028.
Norway will initially buy 54 Leopard 2A7 MBTs, with an option of acquiring a further 18 units. The MBTs will be phased in from 2026 through 2031. The acquisition is within the cost limit of NOK 19.7 billion set by the Norwegian parliament.
Norwegian Minister of Defence Bjørn Arild Gram said:
“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. 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”.
KMW CEO Ralf Ketzel commented on the conclusion of the contract:
“This signing is a strong signal for European cooperation. It also underscores the tank’s performance and future viability and its importance for joint defense efforts in Europe. KMW is grateful for the confidence. We look forward to the project and thus to long-term international industrial cooperation with Norwegian industry.”
