Ralf Ketzel, director of KNDS Germany, revealed in an interview with the journal Hartpunkt that the company has already begun delivering Leopard 2A8 battle tanks to Norway. Originally scheduled for delivery at the end of the decade or by 2026, these shipments have been moved forward. The tanks are part of an order for 54 units placed by Norway with Krauss-Maffei Wegmann (KMW), now part of KNDS, which also includes the former French company Nexter.
Norway signed a procurement contract with KNDS to modernize its battle tank fleet, ordering 54 Leopard 2A8 tanks from Krauss-Maffei Wegmann (KMW), a German partner of KNDS, including the French defense company Nexter. This contract reflects Norway’s desire to strengthen its defense against a potential Russian invasion. Initially, the country planned to acquire the Leopard 2A7 model, but operational requirements and technological advancements led to the more modern and efficient 2A8 version.
Signed in 2022, the contract originally scheduled deliveries between 2026 and the end of the decade, but KNDS has accelerated its timeline, with the first units delivered as early as November 2024. Ritek, a Norwegian company, has also been incorporated into the project to handle maintenance for the new tanks, ensuring technical autonomy in their management. This acquisition is part of a broader initiative by the Norwegian armed forces to modernize and strengthen their military capabilities in response to current geopolitical challenges.
In addition to Norway, other European countries, including Croatia, the Czech Republic, the Netherlands, and Lithuania, also plan to acquire this upgraded version of the Leopard. Croatia recently announced an order for 50 units, while the Czech Republic has ordered 77 tanks, the Netherlands 50, and Lithuania may acquire up to 94. The Leopard 2A8 is designed to be one of the most advanced main battle tanks currently on the market. It can reach a combat weight of around 70 tons and is equipped with a 120mm L55A1 cannon, capable of firing programmable HE (High-Explosive) rounds and new KE (Kinetic Energy) rounds for increased battlefield effectiveness. Among notable improvements, its fire control system will be fully digital and will benefit from a power system independent of the main engine, providing at least 20 kW of continuous power.
The Leopard 2A8, with its cutting-edge technology, offers increased resilience against modern threats encountered in conflicts like Ukraine, where drones and anti-tank missiles are widely used. The tank is notably equipped with the EuroTrophy active protection system, an adaptation of the Israeli Trophy system, designed to detect and neutralize incoming projectiles, such as anti-tank missiles and rockets before they reach the vehicle. This proactive defense capability enhances crew safety and reduces the risk of direct impact.
In response to increasing aerial threats, especially drones, the Leopard 2A8 features advanced detection systems that allow it to quickly identify hostile drones. It is also equipped with a roof-mounted Remote Controlled Weapon Station (RCWS), armed with machine guns or automatic grenade launchers, which enables it to neutralize these drones at close range, thus adding an active defense layer against close aerial attacks.
The armor of the Leopard 2A8, made from a composite of advanced materials such as steel, tungsten, composites, and ceramics, provides enhanced protection against ballistic projectiles, improvised explosive devices, and artillery fragments, thereby increasing the survival of the vehicle and its crew against direct impacts. Additionally, the tank is equipped with sophisticated optical and infrared sensors for the early detection of threats, including drones and anti-tank missile teams. Some jamming systems may also be integrated to disrupt enemy communications and drone guidance systems, thereby reducing their operational effectiveness.
From a firepower perspective, the Leopard 2A8 is equipped with the Rheinmetall Rh-120 L/55A1 120mm cannon, an advanced version of the L/55 model already present on the 2A7. This cannon can use programmable HE (High-Explosive) rounds, in addition to new KE (Kinetic Energy) rounds, which significantly enhances the tank’s ability to effectively engage a wide range of targets, from lightly armored vehicles to fortifications. This versatility is a major asset in combat environments where targets can quickly vary, requiring munitions adapted to each situation.
On the technology front, the Leopard 2A8 includes an advanced energy management system with an Auxiliary Power Unit (APU) independent of the main engine. This energy autonomy allows the tank to keep its systems active without generating noise or a significant thermal signature, offering valuable discretion during ambush or static defense operations. Furthermore, its fire control system is fully digital and incorporates fusion sensors for optimized target acquisition and tracking. The tank’s optics are also enhanced: the PERI-R 17 A2 panoramic sight for the commander and the EMES 15 sight for the gunner provide improved situational awareness and increased precision.
For Norway, the modernization process has accelerated in recent years through the renewal of its military equipment, following several major initiatives, including the purchase of 52 F-35 fighters in 2018 to replace its aging F-16s, thereby ensuring air superiority against potential regional threats. In 2019, Norway also strengthened its naval fleet by ordering four new U212CD conventional submarines in cooperation with Germany, to secure its waters and enhance its maritime deterrence capabilities.
The deployment of the first Leopard 2A8s in 2024, much earlier than planned, reflects Norway’s commitment to rapidly adapting its ground forces to the demands of modern warfare, characterized by an increased use of sophisticated technologies, such as drones and precision anti-tank weapons. Through these initiatives, Norway confirms its commitment to a robust and effective defense, aiming to protect its national sovereignty while contributing to the stability of the Nordic region and the NATO Alliance.