In pictures: Royal Marines test their ability to rapidly deploy deep in the Arctic Circle

Deep inside the Arctic Circle, Royal Marines from 42 Commando demonstrated their ability to rapidly deploy as they fast rope from a Wildcat helicopter from 847 Naval Air Squadron. 

It follows their annual deployment to Badufoss under Operation Clockwork, where the foundations of operating in this austere environment – where temperatures regularly drop below -20°C – will be tested.

On operations, fast roping is a core skill to enable rapid deployment from helicopters onto hostile, inaccessible, or confined locations such as ship decks or roof tops. 

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Later stages of Operation Clockwork will see the Royal Marines undertaking survival training, ensuring they can live and move in the wilderness – learning to navigate, ski, build shelters, and forage for food – before conducting sorties over Norway's fjords and mountains.

This training will lead up to Exercise Cold Response, the largest military exercise in the country, demonstrating the unity of Nato and the ability of the alliance to deter threats in the High North.