KNDS Deutschland and automotive servicing company RITEK have inaugurated a new manufacturing center for the Leopard 2A8 main battle tank in Levanger, Norway.
The site expands the NATO country’s defense production capacity as it adopts a local variant of the combat vehicle, part of a 2023 contract valued at more than $2 billion.
That initiative covers up to 54 platforms, with 15 produced in Germany and two already delivered to the Norwegian Army.
The remaining systems, totaling 37, will be assembled at the new facility.
Production and Testing in One Location
The Levanger plant was constructed in 18 months and incorporates both production and assessment capabilities.
Its output is expected to meet up to 36 tanks annually, with processes supported by geothermal energy to promote sustainability.
Among the critical evaluation solutions integrated in the factory are laser measurement tracks, steep gradient courses, and a water immersion pool, ensuring vehicle performance before shipments.
“We have built a production line without delay, from which the LEOPARD 2 A8 NO systems will be supplied to the Norwegian Army,” said Florian Hohenwarter, CEO of KNDS Deutschland.
“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.”
