Norway's Leopard 2 tanks will be new 2A8 variant with active protection system
Norway has ordered 54 Leopard 2s with an option for 18 more. (Photo: Norwegian Armed Forces)
Krauss-Maffei Wegmann (KMW) has announced that Norway's tanks will be of the 2A8 standard, as will any planned German procurement of new-build Leopard 2s.
KMW and the Norwegian Defence Materiel Agency (NDMA) have agreed to align the specifications of the 54 new Leopard 2 MBTs contracted in March with those for Germany's planned procurement of the tank.,
Norwegian Leopard 2s will share all the characteristics of the redefined 2A8 variant and will be know as Leopard 2 A8 NOR.
Germany has introduced the 2A8 configuration for new production and it includes integration of the Trophy active protection system.
Related Articles
Slovakia confirms delivery of MiG-29 fighters to Ukraine, takes more Leopard tanks
Norwegian defence report hints at new CV90 armoured vehicle order
KMW rolls out new 120mm mortar and drone recon modules for Boxer armoured vehicle
The Leopard 2A8 NOR has some additional features compared to the German, such as the integrated Kongsberg ICS/CORTEX system which handles data transfer in the MBT and communication with other combat systems.
Norway's Leopards will be delivered between 2026 and 2031, and the contract is within the NOK19.7 billion ($1.9 billion) budget set by Norway's parliament, according to Shephard Defence Insight. An option has been built into the contract for a further 18 tanks.
Germany is estimated to have a demand for approximately 100 new-build Leopard 2s costing $3.4 billion. A contract award is expected in 2024, with deliveries from 2027 through 2032.
Related Programmes in Defence Insight
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Land Warfare
-
![Romania approved for additional $280 million Patriot Air Defence System buy]()
Romania approved for additional $280 million Patriot Air Defence System buy
The possible Foreign Military Sale (FMS) from the US will cover the system and any related equipment with Lockheed Martin and RTX as primary contractors.
-
![Polaris to unveil new MRZR Alpha base vehicle at Modern Day Marine]()
Polaris to unveil new MRZR Alpha base vehicle at Modern Day Marine
The new platform was designed to provide 1KW of exportable power as standard and has been developed in partnership with the US Marine Corps (USMC).
-
![US and Europe continue moves to boost 155mm munitions production]()
US and Europe continue moves to boost 155mm munitions production
The new US facility for 155mm artillery projectiles is a reflection of a worldwide trend which has also seen Rheinmetall and BAE Systems working to improve capability in the same area.
