Navy's smallest warships brave the Arctic as Nato trains for extreme cold warfare
Some of the smallest warships in the Royal Navy's fleet are heading into Arctic waters to support Nato's annual cold-weather exercise, Joint Viking 2025.
The fast patrol craft, each with a crew of just five sailors, will operate in freezing conditions as they take part in the large-scale training alongside Royal Marines and other allied forces.
The four vessels – HMS Blazer, Charger, Puncher, and Trumpeter – will leave Portsmouth in early February, making their way through 13 ports across the UK, Netherlands, Germany, Denmark, and Norway before arriving in Harstad, where they will serve as a key asset in the multinational exercise.
Although modest in size, the patrol boats have taken on an increasingly important role in coastal and near-shore operations, evolving beyond their traditional role of training university students to supporting Nato's northern defence strategy.
Commander Carla Higgins, who leads the Coastal Forces Squadron, said the exercise is "another fantastic opportunity" to showcase the squadron's growing capability across different environments.
"It also highlights our ability to work seamlessly side by side with UK and Nato forces as we continue to expand our dynamic and evolving nature of operations and tactics," she said.
"Coastal Forces remain a relevant and credible contribution to maritime security in the UK homeland and overseas."
Sailing beyond the Arctic Circle presents a host of challenges, with average daytime temperatures around -6°C, sometimes plummeting to -30°C.
"The fjords of Norway are a harsh yet stunning environment,” said Lieutenant Lara Martin, Commanding Officer of HMS Charger.
"In the sub-zero climate, units will be challenged mentally and physically to maintain capability and provide operationally effective training to Nato."
Once in Norway, the patrol boats will be used to insert raiding parties, conduct covert surveys of fjords, and gather intelligence around Troms County in northern Norway.
They will also play the role of enemy forces, testing Nato warships in fast, close-quarters engagements.
For the Royal Navy's mine warfare and diving teams, the small craft provide an agile platform to carry out operations in confined waters.
The Coastal Forces Squadron has transformed in recent years, taking inspiration from its World War I and II predecessors, which specialised in fast-attack boat operations.
Today, it is expanding its use of both crewed and autonomous systems to enhance maritime security and fleet support operations.
As for the patrol boat crews, they are eager to get started.
"As far as the Commanding Officers of HMS Puncher, Blazer, Trumpeter, and myself in Charger are concerned," said Lt Martin, "bring on the challenge!"
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