KNDS Deutschland and Norwegian automotive servicing company RITEK have inaugurated a new manufacturing and testing center in Levanger, Norway, for the Leopard 2A8 main battle tank. The facility supports Norway’s multi-billion-dollar armored modernization program signed in 2023, which includes up to 54 Leopard 2A8 tanks. While the first 15 tanks are being produced in Germany, the remaining 37 vehicles will be assembled domestically at the new Levanger plant. Built within just 18 months, the facility integrates both production and testing capabilities, including laser measurement tracks, steep terrain courses, and water immersion systems to validate vehicle performance before delivery. The plant is expected to manufacture up to 36 tanks annually and incorporates geothermal energy systems to support sustainable operations. The initiative significantly expands Norway’s sovereign defense-industrial capacity while strengthening NATO’s armored warfare readiness in Northern Europe.
