NATO contribution for deterrence on the northern flank
The militarization of Europe - preparation for a war against Russia
The Leopard (especially the Leopard 2) is the most important German main battle tank, manufactured by KNDS Germany (formerly Krauss-Maffei Wegmann) and Rheinmetall.
The Leopard 2A8NO is a version of the German Leopard 2A8 main battle tank specially adapted to the requirements of the Norwegian armed forces, developed by KNDS Germany.
The German-French military group KNDS Germany and the Norwegian company RITEK have opened a plant for the assembly of the Leopard 2A8NO main battle tanks in the Norwegian town of Levanger, where 37 of the 54 Leopard 2A8NO main battle tanks ordered for the Norwegian armed forces (with an option for 18 more) will be assembled.
With the official opening of Leopard 2 production on October 15, 2026, series production has begun in the Norwegian town of Levanger, Ritek AS, Rinnvegen 46, 7609 Levanger. The production infrastructure was created in 18 months. The plant will perform the following tasks: final assembly of the tanks from the supplied components and assemblies; integration of the on-board systems, electronics and equipment and carrying out final tests before handover to the customer. The plant will relieve other production lines specializing in the manufacture of Leopard tanks, which points to the continuing demand for these weapons, despite the obvious lessons of the Russian-Ukrainian conflict. At the same time, the increase in tank production in the Euro-NATO countries could be linked to the intention to equip them with effective countermeasures against drones in the future in order to extend their operational capability on the modern battlefield.
The 2A8NOR represents the heaviest combat element of this program and forms the essential NATO contribution to deterrence on the northern flank. Markus Helm, Chief Financial Officer of KNDS Germany, regards the start of production as more than an industrial step. He points to the building of industrial capabilities, a lasting partnership between Germany and Norway as well as the contribution to Norway's and NATO's defense readiness.
According to the specialist portal ESUT, the order value is around 1.8 billion euros.
The Norwegian budget approved by the Norwegian parliament amounted to 23.4 billion NOK. Delivery of equipment is planned for the period from 2026 to 2028, and delivery is to be fully completed by 2028. Ritek will take over the maintenance of the Norwegian main battle tanks.
The first two new Leopard 2A8 NO main battle tanks were officially handed over to the Norwegian Army on April 30, 2026. The handover took place at the Rena camp (Rena leir), the central base in eastern Norway.
Leopard 2A8: Is the most modern variant. It comes standard with the Trophy active hard-kill protection system from Rafael. The Bundeswehr has ordered 123 units, with delivery planned for 2027 to 2030.