Largest-ever Investment in the Army

The Norwegian Army will get new and upgraded armored vehicles for about ten billion kroner. “A huge boost for the Army,” said Defense Minister Espen Barth Eide. Parliament considered the matter today, and the debate showed that there is broad support for the Government's proposal to acquire new armored vehicles for the Army. The army will ultimately operate 146 new or rebuilt CV-90 armored vehicles and the Armored Battalion as well as the Telemark Battalion will thus see their capabilities significantly increased. The new vehicles will give the Army a significant boost in the form of improved combat firepower and increased protection for their crews. New capabilities The vehicles will also have capabilities that will make them even more useful in operations both at home and abroad, says Defence Minister Espen Barth Eide. New capabilities will be such increased protection, network integration, better self-protection in the form of remotely controlled weapon station and rubber tracks for increased accessibility. The new tanks are a prerequisite for the future army structure as described in the ministry’s long-term planning proposals. Opportunities for Norwegian industry The bulk of the equipment will be procured from foreign suppliers, primarily Sweden’s BAE Systems Hägglunds, but the Ministry of Defence will, in accordance with the current guidelines, require repurchase and/or industry collaboration (i.e., direct and indirect offsets) worth 100% of the value of the contract.