Leopard 2A8 production begins in Norway

KNDS and Norwegian maintenance company Ritek began production of Norway's Leopard 2A8NOR main battle tanks at a new facility in Levanger on October 15, 2026, following the site's opening earlier in the year. The Norwegian plant is scheduled to manufacture 37 of the Army's 54 ordered vehicles and has capacity for up to 36 tanks annually, while KNDS Deutschland builds the remaining 17 in Munich. Two initial Leopard 2A8NOR tanks were delivered to Norway on April 30 for early program activity. Broader entry into Norwegian Army service is planned from 2027 following testing and verification, replacing the country's older Leopard 2 fleet.