Korean tanks not "ordered" ... Norway introduces "German Leopard"

Norway has decided to introduce a new German Leopard 2 main battle tank. Korea's K2 tank, which was expected to be exported to Poland, a member of NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization), and then to Norway, was in trouble.

According to the website of the Norwegian Prime Minister's Office, Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas-Gahr Storre held a press conference at the Lena military base on February 3rd (local time), announcing, "We plan to order Leopard 2A7 main battle tanks from Doyle's KMW company."

The Norwegian government explained, "There is still an option to purchase an additional 18 cars in the future."

The tanks will be introduced in stages from 2026 to 2031.

The Norwegian army initially planned to introduce 72 tanks, but the opinion was expressed within the military that "in addition to tanks, investment in other fields such as drones and long-range artillery weapons systems is necessary." It is reported that the number of units introduced has been adjusted.

It is true that South Korea's K2 tank, which competed with the Leopard 2A7 until the end, was expected to receive orders from the South Korean defence industry.

However, it seems that external factors such as "the situation of the war in Ukraine" and "relationship with Germany, a core member of NATO," ultimately influenced the 'Final choice.'

Chancellor Storre also stressed that "this decision means that NATO's core allies, including neighboring countries in Northern Europe, will continue to operate the same main battle tank model. It will also strengthen the relationship with Germany."