Royal Marines test new kit in unforgiving temperatures ahead of exercise in Norway
Troops are learning to survive, move, and fight in temperatures that can drop to -35°C for Winter Deployment 25 in Norway.
Nearly 2,000 UK Commando Force personnel will be stepping up the challenge with new, cutting-edge kit, the KS-1 rifle – the L403 A1 in British service – and snowmobiles.
They're gearing up for a major Nato exercise in March – Ex Joint Viking is the largest military exercise in Norway this year.
The KS-1 rifle, which is designated as the L403 A1 in British service, is a modern assault rifle adopted by the British Armed Forces in 2023.
Manufactured by Knight's Armament Company (KAC), the KS-1 is designed to enhance the capabilities of special operations forces.
It is known for its accurate long-range engagement, reliability in harsh environments and ability to mount accessories.
Its combination of accuracy, reliability, customisation options, and tactical versatility makes it effective in various combat situations, from close-quarters battles to long-range engagements.
The Royal Marines hosted a number of high-profile visitors - including The Royal Navy’s Second Sea Lord, Vice Admiral Sir Martin Connell.
"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."
Vice Admiral Sir Martin Connell tried out the new Lynx Skidoo - a snowmobile that is capable of doing 0-60 MPH in just three seconds.
These snowmobiles are designed for various winter activities and can handle extreme conditions, offering durability and maneuverability on snow.
Members of the Cold Weather Warfare Course conducted the infamous ice breaker drills.
Service personnel make a controlled leap into freezing water while carrying a bergen and ski poles.
After surfacing from the icy depths, they must push their rucksack to safety, then regain their composure to secure their ski poles in the ice.
Before being allowed to climb out, they must also answer a question from their instructor.
Drivers were training with BV vehicles during Operation Clockwork, an emergency response exercise involving a large-scale simulation of situations, typically focused on the preparedness and coordination of personnel in high-risk environments.
The purpose of a BV vehicle is to ensure that emergency responders have the necessary mobility and equipment to handle critical situations quickly and safely.
Service personnel also learned how to telemark ski which uses free-heel binding, allowing the skier's heel to lift off the ski while turning, similar to how cross-country skis work.
The course will learn the fundamentals of telemark skiing before they progress to skiing with a bergen and weapons, as well as a pulk containing their supplies.
Other visitors included representatives from Nato, the Joint Expeditionary Force, the UK Ministry of Defence, and allies Norway and Sweden.
Commandos laid on demonstrations and held discussions at Camp Viking in Skjold and the exercise comes as preparation for Ex Joint Viking.
More than 10,000 troops from seven nations are set to participate in Exercise Joint Viking which is focused on defending the strategically important region and will test allies' collective ability to defend Norway from invasion.
It will take place primarily inside the Arctic region, across Norway's complicated coastline of fjords, inlets, and islands, and inland across the mountainous terrain.
The British component will make up the Littoral Response Group (North) for the exercise, combining amphibious ships, landing craft, helicopters, and troops – a powerful force for conducting raiding operations from the coast.
The Royal Navy task group is brought together to respond to crises and events in Europe's strategic waterways and chokepoints.
Its sister group, Littoral Response Group (South), has the same responsibility for the Mediterranean and regions east of the Suez Canal.
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