Image: Synne Nilsson / Forsvaret LEOPARD 2 A8 NO
British defence manufacturer KNDS and Norwegian vehicle systems specialist RITEK have opened a new Leopard 2 A8 NO production facility in Levanger, Norway, as the Norwegian Army takes delivery of its first two examples of the main battle tank.
As per a recent press statement, the facility was constructed in just 18 months and is scheduled to begin full production in autumn 2026. Of the 54 Leopard 2 A8 NO systems ordered by Norway, 37 will be manufactured at the Levanger site. The remaining 17 are being produced by KNDS at its existing facilities, with the first two of those units handed over to the Norwegian Army on 30 April 2026.
A Facility Built at Pace
KNDS Deutschland CEO Florian Hohenwarter commented: “Together with our partner RITEK, we have built a production line without delay, from which the Leopard 2 A8 NO systems will be supplied to the Norwegian Army. This not only fulfils 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 Levanger facility features state-of-the-art integrated production and testing infrastructure, including a laser track, steep slope courses and a diving pool for vehicle trials. The site has an annual production capacity of up to 36 tanks. Geothermal energy supplies the facility’s power needs, supporting sustainable operation.
Production Split Between Germany and Norway
Of the 54 Leopard 2 A8 NO tanks ordered by Norway, 17 are manufactured by KNDS at its existing facilities. The remaining 37 will come off the new Levanger line, with all 54 systems due to be delivered as production ramps up through 2026 and beyond.
Wider Defence Implications
The Leopard 2 A8 is the latest variant of Germany’s premier main battle tank, incorporating enhanced armour protection and updated systems. Norway’s nationally configured A8 NO variant aligns with broader Nordic efforts to modernise ground forces.
The opening of the Levanger facility strengthens both Norwegian and European defence industrial capacity. It establishes domestic production capability for a critical NATO member on Europe’s northern flank and extends KNDS’s manufacturing footprint across the continent.
Source: KNDS Press Release
