# Norway and Germany Expand Defense Production

Norway and Germany are expanding defense-industrial and operational cooperation under the Hansa Arrangement, signed in February 2026. Leopard 2A8 production for Norway began in Levanger on October 15, 2026; 37 of Norway’s 54 tanks are planned for Norwegian production, with stated capacity of up to 36 tanks annually. The cooperation spans armored vehicles, submarines, missiles, military operations, and space capabilities. Submarine support, satellite capabilities, and hypersonic missile development are identified as potential areas, but the signal reports no new solicitation, contract value, or procurement contact.

- **Why this matters:** The arrangement signals a sustained cross-border defense-industrial relationship that may shape supplier and production opportunities in Norway and Germany, particularly around armored vehicles and associated support.
- Companies with relevant manufacturing or defense-supply capabilities can assess potential industrial participation and subcontracting needs, while treating submarine, satellite, and hypersonic work as prospective rather than awarded opportunities.
- The production start and stated annual capacity provide useful context for firms evaluating Norwegian production capacity and supply-chain positioning; no new procurement action or proposal deadline is identified.

**Jurisdictions:** international
**Industries:** Defense & Military
**Published:** October 30, 2026

### Government Entities
- Norwegian Ministry of Defence
- German Federal Ministry of Defence
- Norwegian Army
- Bundeswehr
- European Union (EU)

### Vendors
- KNDS (Leopard 2A8 tank manufacturer and production contractor)
- Ritek (Leopard 2A8 tank production contractor)

### Sources
- [From tanks to space, Norway and Germany forge ahead with ‘Hansa’ defense pact - Defense News](https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2026/10/30/from-tanks-to-space-norway-and-germany-forge-ahead-with-hansa-defense-pact) - Defense News