Norway purchase new tanks: Norway announced on Friday that it would replace aging Leopard 2 tanks with 54 newer models and that it was dealing with “one of the most challenging security circumstances since World War II.”
The order, which has been anticipated for a number of years, would allow Oslo to replace its fleet of 36 aging Leopard 2A4 tanks, some of which will be transferred to Ukraine.
The Leopard 2A7 deal with Krauss-Maffei Wegmann of Germany is a component of a 19.7 billion kroner ($1.96 billion) defence budget that has previously been approved by parliament.
The tanks’ precise cost was not given. An additional 18 brand-new Leopard 2A7s are a possibility.
Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store held a press conference at the Rena military camp. During the conference, he stated that Norway is facing one of the most challenging security situations since World War II. He made this assessment in his remarks.
“The Russian invasion has put us in a dangerous situation” (of Ukraine). I refer to this as a new “Iron Curtain,” he declared.
Norway had been debating between the South Korean K2 Black Panther and the most recent Leopard tank generation.
“Norway’s Tank Procurement and Transfers”
According to the administration, choosing Leopards will allow Norway to stand alongside Germany and its other Nordic neighbors, notably Sweden and Finland, which are eager to join Norway in NATO.
The first deliveries are anticipated to begin in 2026 and continue through 2031.
Of the 52 Leopards that Norway purchased from the Netherlands in 2001, only 36 are still in use.
“Additionally, Oslo announced in late January that it would give some of the tanks to Ukraine. However, the number and arrival date of the tanks were not specified.”
Eirik Kristoffersen, the commander of Norway’s armed forces, has expressed opposition to procuring new tanks. He would prefer to use the money to acquire other weapons, such as missiles and long-range rounds. He stated his position on the matter.