Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Haar Støre confirmed the intention to purchase 54 German Leopard tanks.

 This is reported by the NRK television and radio company.

 The Norwegian government previously planned to buy several new tanks, although the chief of the General Staff did not recommend doing so because the war in Ukraine has weakened Russia and it does not threaten Norway.

 How many tanks they want to buy and which ones, it was not known until now.

 The Prime Minister confirmed that Norway has applied for 54 units. When choosing between the German Leopard 2A7 and the South Korean K2 Black Panther, the former was preferred.

 The government also reserves the option to purchase another 18 units.

 "We are in one of the most difficult situations in the field of security policy since the Second World War," said Jonas Haar Støre, emphasizing the need to strengthen Norway's defenses.

 Defense Minister Björn Arild Gram said that the first new tanks will arrive in 2026.

 "We listened to the chief of the General Staff, but made a general assessment. We still need tanks. This is a potential that is used by all our allies," he said.

 "We make sure that we have the same tanks as our neighbors and close allies, and that is why we are forming closer ties with them in the field of security policy. I briefed Chancellor Scholz on this this morning, and he emphasized that this message will bring our countries even closer," said the Norwegian Prime Minister.

 It will be recalled that it was unofficially reported that the Norwegian government is studying the possibility of transferring a certain number of CV90 infantry fighting vehicles to Ukraine.

 Norway is also among the countries that have promised to give Ukraine part of their Leopard 2 tanks. According to media reports, Norway is considering the possibility of supplying Ukraine with up to 8 tanks. In total, Norway has 36 tanks in working order.