Approximately 2,000 members of the UK Commando Force are currently engaged in operations within the challenging mountainous landscape of Northern Norway as part of Winter Deployment 25.
The Royal Marines Commandos are intensifying their Arctic training while integrating new equipment ahead of a major NATO exercise scheduled for March.
New equipment, including the L403 rifle and snowmobiles, is being introduced as Commandos engage in rigorous extreme cold weather training, acquiring skills necessary for survival, mobility, and combat in harsh environments.
To showcase their ongoing progress, innovation, and commitment to Arctic warfare, the Royal Marines welcomed several distinguished guests from NATO, the Joint Expeditionary Force, the UK Ministry of Defence, as well as representatives from allied nations Norway and Sweden.
The Royal Navy’s Second Sea Lord, Vice Admiral Martin Connell, was also in attendance as the Commandos laid on demonstrations and held discussions on their vital role in Northern Norway at Camp Viking in Skjold (74 miles south of Tromsø).
VAdm Connell said: “It’s been a fascinating 24 hours inside the Arctic Circle with the UK Commando Force as they hone their winter warfighting skills, working alongside our Norwegian allies as we sharpen our commitment to NATO.”
“Not many people can operate in this unforgiving environment.”
The guests gained direct insight into the challenging conditions faced by the Royal Marines, Commando Helicopter Force (CHF), and Army Commandos during their training for operations in the High North. The temperatures can drop to as low as -35°C, and the phenomenon of polar nights results in the sun not appearing until late January.
The visitors were transported in Wildcat and Merlin helicopters, as well as in the Viking-protected all-terrain vehicles utilized by the Armoured Support Group (ASG). They witnessed a dynamic demonstration showcasing how the Commando Force facilitates the precise targeting of high-value enemy objectives. Additionally, they had the opportunity to engage with the latest equipment and converse with Commandos currently participating in the Winter Deployment 25 training programme.
The Commandos are currently preparing for an Exercise Joint Viking which is designed to evaluate the collective capability of allies to defend Norway against potential invasion. Joint Viking, which is the largest military drill in Norway this year, focuses on safeguarding this strategically significant area. Over 10,000 personnel from seven different nations are expected to take part in Joint Viking, which will unfold across Norway’s intricate coastline of fjords, inlets, and islands, as well as the challenging inland mountainous regions.
The primary activities of Joint Viking will occur in Troms County, located in the northern part of the country within the Arctic Circle. The British contingent will constitute the Littoral Response Group (North) for this exercise, integrating amphibious vessels, landing crafts, helicopters, and troops into a formidable force for conducting raiding operations from the shoreline.
The Royal Navy task group is assembled to address crises and incidents in Europe’s vital waterways and chokepoints. Its counterpart, the Littoral Response Group (South), holds similar responsibilities for the Mediterranean and areas to the east of the Suez Canal.