Related Articles
Britain’s elite commandos are proving their mettle in the Arctic Circle, as members of the Cold Weather Warfare Course take on the infamous ice breaker drill in Norway.
In a stunning display of endurance and grit, service personnel are seen plunging into freezing waters, a crucial component of their training to survive and operate in extreme cold weather conditions.
Clad in their specialist winter gear, they leap into the icy depths with their bergen rucksacks and ski poles, before surfacing to push their equipment to safety.
But the test is far from over. After regaining their composure, they must secure their ski poles in the ice and answer a question from their instructor – a task designed to ensure they remain mentally alert under pressure. Only then are they granted permission to climb out of the water and continue their rigorous training.
This gruelling exercise is just one element of Winter Deployment 25, a large-scale operation that reaffirms the UK Commando Force’s commitment to defending Britain’s interests in the High North. More than 2,000 service personnel, including the Royal Marines, 24 Commando Royal Engineers, 29 Commando Royal Artillery, and Commando Helicopter Force, have been deployed to Northern Norway to sharpen their skills in one of the harshest environments on Earth.
The Arctic is a vital training ground for UK forces, providing the opportunity to refine specialist warfighting techniques in temperatures that can plummet to -30°C. These skills are not just essential for survival but also for maintaining operational readiness in the face of growing geopolitical tensions in the region.
A military spokesperson said:
“Training in the Arctic is about resilience, endurance, and being able to fight and win in some of the most demanding conditions on the planet. The ice breaker drill is a critical part of that preparation, teaching personnel how to function under extreme stress and cold shock.”
As global interest in the Arctic grows, the UK is demonstrating its capability and commitment to operating in the region. The deployment ensures that British forces remain prepared to support NATO allies and protect national security interests in the strategically important High North.
The Royal Marines, renowned for their expertise in cold weather warfare, have been training in the Arctic for over half a century, making them one of the most experienced forces in operating in extreme cold environments.
Alongside mastering survival techniques, the deployment will include live-fire exercises, reconnaissance missions, and tactical mobility drills using specialised equipment such as BV206 all-terrain vehicles and high-performance skis.
The exercise is also an opportunity to strengthen ties with NATO allies, including the US, Norwegian, and Dutch forces, who regularly take part in joint training operations in the region.
With increasing focus on Arctic security, the UK’s Winter Deployment 25 is a clear signal that Britain remains fully committed to its role as a key player in the region. As temperatures drop, the resolve of the UK Commando Force remains as strong as ever.
Main Image: Photographer: LPhot Stainer- Hutchins. UK MOD © Crown copyright 2025. MOD Crown Copyright News / Editorial Licence
Source link
