Norway Scraps Plan to Acquire Additional Tanks, Focusing on Air Defense Systems

Norway has decided to cancel its plan to acquire 18 additional Leopard 2 main battle tanks in order to prioritize the development of sophisticated air defense systems, according to the Chief of Staff of the Norwegian Army, Lars Lervik. Lervik stated in an interview with Breaking Defense that Norway’s previous order of 54 tanks from Germany will be sufficient to create a heavy mechanized brigade, and reassured that this decision will not affect the country’s ability to meet NATO requirements. The delivery of the Leopard 2 tanks is expected by mid-2027.

In addition to the prioritization of air defense systems, Norway is also eager to issue a long-range fires tender as soon as possible to strengthen its military’s firepower. The Nordic nation is also considering investments in additional K9 self-propelled howitzers and K10 ammunition resupply vehicles. Lervik emphasized the importance of volume in maintaining a longer duration of combat, citing the current war in Ukraine as an example.

The decision by Norway comes at a time when many countries are facing ammunition shortages due to providing aid to Ukraine. Lervik pointed out that Europe is currently in an ammunition crisis, stating that there are “no quick fixes” to replenish depleted stockpiles. He expressed concerns about the time it will take to rebalance the donated ammunition and achieve the necessary readiness for future conflicts.

In response to this crisis, Norway considered allowing its stocks of key munitions to drop below required levels in order to continue supplying weapons to Kyiv. However, the country ultimately decided to focus on the development of air defense systems and prioritize their own military capabilities.