Rheinmetall AG has won an important order in connection with a significant NATO main battle tank project. On 17 February 2023 the Norwegian procurement agency NDMA contracted with Krauss-Maffei Wegmann (KMW) to supply the Norwegian armed forces with 54 of the latest version of Leopard 2 main battle tank, the A7 NOR. An option exists for a further 18 tanks. In its capacity as subcontractor to KMW, the Düsseldorf-based tech enterprise Rheinmetall has been tasked with supplying key components. Among other things, these include the main battle tank’s 120mm L55A1main armament, fire control technology and parts of the sensor suite.
For Rheinmetall, the total value of the order comes to €129 million. If Norway exercises the option to procure additional Leopard 2 tanks, the order will be worth an additional €44 million. The tank guns, fire control technology and sensors for the Leopard 2 will be delivered to KMW during a period of approximately four years. After completion and commissioning of the tanks at KMW, the vehicles will be transferred to the Norwegian procurement agency NDMA. As a subcontractor of KMW, Rheinmetall has already taken part in the delivery of Leopard 2 A5, A6 und A7 main battle tanks prior to the Norwegian 2 NOR programme.
The Leopard 2 is a third generation German main battle tank (MBT). The new Leopard 2A7 main battle tank is not intended to be optimized for combat in urban terrain, thus it is fundamentally different from the Krauss-Maffei Wegmann variant, the: 2A7+. The Norwegian version of the Leopard 2A7, also known as the Leopard 2A7NO, is a modified version of the Leopard 2A7 main battle tank designed specifically for the Norwegian Armed Forces. One of the key features of the Leopard 2A7NO is its improved protection system: the tank is equipped with a modular armor system, which allows for easy replacement and upgrade of damaged or outdated armor modules.
The Leopard 2A7NO is equipped with a digital radio system, a battle management system, and a high-tech fire control system, which includes a laser rangefinder, a thermal imaging system, and a ballistic computer. The tank is also equipped with a number of advanced communication and information systems, which allow for improved situational awareness and coordination between tank crews and other units. The tank is powered by a 1,500 horsepower diesel engine, which gives it a top speed of around 70 km/h. The tank is also equipped with an advanced suspension system and hydraulic shock absorbers, which provide improved stability and handling over rough terrain.
