The Norwegian Defence Materiel Agency (Forsvarsmateriell, FMA) proudly announced the delivery of a substantial portion of the Leopard 2-based LEGUAN Armored Vehicle Launched Bridges (AVLBs) to the Norwegian Armed Forces. The handover ceremony, held at Rena military camp in Innlandet, marked the arrival of five out of eight state-of-the-art AVLBs, a testament to Norway’s commitment to modernizing its military infrastructure. The procurement, initiated in 2019 at a value of €88.9 million, underscores Norway’s strategic foresight in replacing its existing fleet of AVLBs. Manufactured by the esteemed German-French consortium KNDS, these advanced engineering vehicles are tailored to Norway’s terrain, as affirmed by Brigadier Tomas Beck, Head of Land Capabilities at Forsvarsmateriell. Rigorous winter testing conducted at the Rena Camp during the previous winter season yielded positive results, demonstrating these vehicles’ adaptability to challenging conditions.
Noteworthy is the interoperability aspect inherent in these vehicles, aligning seamlessly with allied nations, particularly those in the Nordic region already utilizing the Leguan Leopard 2 AVLBs. This compatibility lays a robust foundation for potential collaborations, particularly in training exercises and operational strategies. Beyond the physical assets, the procurement contract encompasses a cutting-edge mobile simulator. Designed to facilitate training in bridge-laying procedures within a classroom setup, this simulator offers a cost-effective and efficient means for personnel to hone their skills without operational usage of the AVLBs, thereby preserving them for critical field operations. The acquisition of the Leguan Leopard 2 AVLBs forms an integral part of Norway’s broader military procurement program centered around Leopard 2 chassis-based vehicles.
The Leguan Leopard 2 stands out as a cutting-edge bridge-layer tracked armored vehicle, boasting a fusion of the Leopard 2 main battle tank chassis with the Leguan bridge laying system. Offering versatility, this vehicle’s bridge-laying system can deploy varying lengths of bridges, spanning obstacles of up to 24 meters. Operable by a two-person crew, the Leguan Leopard 2’s deployment process is swift, taking only minutes to set up crucial bridges essential for strategic maneuvers. The vehicle’s design, retaining the Leopard 2 MBT’s robust hull and chassis, ensures familiarity for operators, facilitating seamless integration into Norway’s military operations. This comprehensive initiative includes the acquisition of main battle tanks, Armored Engineering Vehicles (AEVs), and Armored Recovery Vehicles (ARVs), signaling Norway’s commitment to a holistic defense strategy.
Equipped with state-of-the-art technological features including distance-measuring instruments, thermal imaging devices, and a user-friendly interface designed for single-operator use, the Leguan Leopard 2 promises reliability and efficiency in diverse conditions. Moreover, its defensive capabilities, comprising a 7.62mm machine gun and protective systems, ensure the safety of its crew during operations. With a maximum speed of 65 km/h and a range of up to 400 km, coupled with its cutting-edge engineering and tactical functionalities, the arrival of these Leguan Leopard 2 AVLBs signifies a substantial leap forward in Norway’s defense capabilities, amplifying readiness and preparedness in safeguarding the nation’s interests.
