Norway has decided to order 54 German Leopard 2 tanks to strengthen its defense capabilities, the Norwegian government announced on Friday. The tanks are expected to be delivered in 2026, with an option to purchase an additional 18 units.
“New main battle tanks are of great importance to the Armed Forces, significantly strengthening the Army. In today’s security situation, European defense cooperation is becoming increasingly important,” Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre said at a joint press conference alongside some of his ministers.
“By procuring German tanks, we ensure that Norway has the same type of tanks as our Nordic neighbors and close allies. We are also forging closer security policy ties with Germany,” he added.
The tanks are also central in fulfilling Norway’s NATO obligations, Norwegian Minister of Defence Bjørn Arild Gram said. “By upgrading our defense with modern equipment, we make NATO stronger, which is paramount in the current security situation.”
The current battle tanks used by Norway were bought in 2001, according to the government.
