UK Commando Force deploys to Arctic Circle to test Nato's defence of Norway
More than 1,000 members of the UK Commando Force are deploying to the Arctic Circle ahead of a major exercise which will test Nato's ability to defend Norway from invasion.
Elements of the Royal Marines, Army Commandos and the Commando Helicopter Force will be working out of Camp Viking in Skjoldg to hone their skills ahead of Exercise Joint Viking.
Camp Viking will serve as the UK's Arctic operational hub for the next decade, reinforcing a long-standing military partnership between Norway and the UK.
The Commandos will be testing themselves in one of the world's most inhospitable environments, where temperatures are known to plummet to -35C and where polar nights mean the sun doesn’t rise until the end of January.
They will also be putting new tactics and technology to the test, including new snowmobiles.
Meanwhile, other elements of the Yeovilton-based Commando Helicopter Force are deploying to Bardufoss Air Base as part of Operation Clockwork - their yearly top-up of operating in the deep freeze.
This training exercise will test the aviation wing's ability to operate Commando Wildcat and Merlin helicopters in Arctic conditions.
Their base is 20 miles west of Camp Viking – a drive of at least an hour - but barely 10 minutes by helicopter.
Joint Viking will take place in Troms County in the northern reaches of Norway inside the Arctic Circle.
During the exercise, which takes place later in the year, the UK Commando Force will form the Littoral Response Group (North) and integrate amphibious ships, landing craft, helicopters and land forces into a cohesive unit.
The task force will be capable of conducting raiding and defensive operations along Norway's complex coastline and inland regions.
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