Bardufoss, Norway – Helicopters and Royal Marines from the UK are facing extreme winter conditions in northern Norway during annual Arctic training exercises. Chinooks equipped with specialised snow skis conducted underslung lift operations at Royal Norwegian Air Force Base Bardufoss, ensuring aircraft can safely land and operate in deep snow.

Royal Marine Viking BVS10 vehicles moved personnel and equipment across the harsh, snowy terrain, highlighting the difficulties of surviving and working in Arctic environments. Snow skis, which distribute the aircraft’s weight, allow helicopters to land without sinking into the snow, a critical adaptation for extreme cold operations.

Personnel from the Commando Helicopter Force and 18 Squadron Royal Air Force are carrying out survival training, including navigation, skiing, building shelters, and foraging for food. The crews are also testing their aircraft, performing intensive flight operations over Norway’s fjords and mountains to master the unforgiving conditions.

“This training ensures that pilots, observers, and engineers can operate effectively even in the Arctic’s brutal environment,” said organizers. The exercises will culminate in Exercise Cold Response, the largest military drill in Norway in 2026, designed to demonstrate NATO’s readiness and unity in high-risk northern operations.

The operation tests the endurance, skill, and resilience of both personnel and aircraft, pushing them to adapt and survive in one of the harshest climates on Earth.

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