The British contingent, operating from Camp Viking near Skjold in northern Norway, will use the base as their hub for the next decade. Temperatures in the region can drop to -35°C, and the polar night keeps the sun from rising until late January, making it one of the harshest environments for military operations.
Building on a legacy of Arctic warfare dating back to the 1940s, the Royal Marines aim to sharpen their skills in survival, movement, and combat across the unforgiving terrain. The drills will culminate in Exercise Joint Viking, the largest military exercise in Norway this year, testing NATO allies’ ability to defend the region.
The Royal Navy has also introduced new tactics and technologies for Arctic operations, including snowmobiles procured through a £10 million investment. These vehicles enhance reconnaissance and raiding capabilities, reflecting a modern approach to warfare in extreme conditions.
The Commando Helicopter Force, based at Bardufoss for Operation Clockwork, will support Arctic operations with Wildcat and Merlin helicopters. This annual deployment provides crucial cold-weather training, ensuring that the wings of the Royal Marines remain adept in challenging Arctic environments.
Exercise Joint Viking, scheduled for 2025, will involve over 10,000 troops from seven nations operating across Norway’s fjords, islands, and mountainous inland terrain. The British forces will form the Littoral Response Group (North), integrating amphibious ships, landing craft, helicopters, and troops into a unified raiding force.
Source: Royal Navy.
