The facility was developed to support delivery of main battle tanks to the Norwegian Army. It forms part of a broader programme to enhance defence capabilities in Norway and across Europe.
“Together with our partner RITEK, we have built a production line without delay, from which the Leopard 2A8NO systems will be supplied to the Norwegian Army,” said Florian Hohenwarter. “This not only fulfills our contract with a key customer, but the Levanger site is also of great importance to us with regard to scaling our production capacities.”
The production and testing infrastructure was completed within 18 months. It includes specialised facilities such as a laser track, steep slopes and a diving pool.
The site is designed to produce up to 36 tanks per year. It also incorporates geothermal energy to support sustainable operations.
Under the programme, 37 of the 54 Leopard 2A8NO tanks ordered for the Norwegian Army will be manufactured in Levanger. The remaining systems will be produced by KNDS.
The development is expected to strengthen both national and European defence capabilities. It reflects increased investment in armoured vehicle production.
On April 30, 2026, the first two Leopard 2A8NO systems were delivered to the Norwegian Army. These units were produced by KNDS as part of the initial phase of the programme.
All remaining tanks are set to be built at the Levanger facility once production begins. The project highlights growing industrial cooperation between Germany and Norway in the defence sector.
