Second Sea Lord commends UK Commando Force's Arctic expertise at Camp Viking

The Second Sea Lord has praised the skill, commitment and resilience of the UK Commando Force as its personnel operate in the extreme sub-zero conditions of the Arctic.

More than 1,000 elite personnel from the Royal Marines, Army Commandos and the Commando Helicopter Force are stationed at Camp Viking, where they are preparing for Exercise Joint Viking – a major cold-weather warfare exercise alongside Norwegian forces.  

Vice Admiral Martin Connell spent 24 hours inside the Arctic Circle observing the training firsthand, lauding the Commandos' ability to operate in one of the world's harshest environments.

• Royal Marine Commandos carry out ice-breaker and weapon drills in sub-zero Norway
• UK Commando Force deploys to Arctic Circle to test Nato's defence of Norway
• Commandos' new £10m snowmobiles will enhance Arctic lethality for elite force

"Fascinating 24 hours inside the Arctic Circle with UK Commando Force operations as they hone their winter warfighting skills, working alongside our Norwegian allies as we sharpen our commitment to Nato," he said in a post on X.

"Not many people can operate in this unforgiving environment. Strong evidence of innovation as well."

The Arctic conditions at Camp Viking are relentless, with temperatures plummeting as low as -20°C and periods of prolonged darkness adding to the challenge.

However, this extreme environment provides the ideal proving ground for personnel to refine their tactics, test cutting-edge equipment – including newly acquired snowmobiles – and push the limits of their cold-weather warfare capabilities.  

This training reinforces the UK's commitment to Nato and ensures that its Commandos remain at the forefront of Arctic operations, ready to respond to any future threats in the region.