UK Commandos Sharpen Arctic Warfare Skills
Royal Marines have significantly ramped up Arctic operations in Northern Norway as approximately 1,500 UK commandos prepare for Exercise Cold Response 2026, the largest military exercise planned in Norway this year. The deployment represents a major expansion of UK commitment to NATO’s northern flank following the December 2025 Lunna House Agreement between the United Kingdom and Norway.
The two-month training period focuses on extreme cold weather warfare skills, specialized Arctic tactics, and integration of advanced technology including drones and snowmobiles. The deployment underscores UK commitment to Arctic security amid increased Russian naval activity in the North Atlantic region.
Lunna House Agreement: Foundation for Enhanced Cooperation
The current deployment stems from the Lunna House Agreement signed December 4, 2025, by UK Defense Secretary John Healey and Norwegian Defense Minister Tore O. Sandvik. This historic defense pact establishes year-round Royal Marine operations in Norway, expanding beyond traditional winter-only deployments.
Named after the Shetland Islands headquarters used by Norwegian resistance forces during World War II, the agreement creates deeper military integration between the two NATO founding members. The pact addresses growing security concerns over a 30% increase in Russian vessels detected in UK waters over the past two years, according to UK government data.
Key provisions include development of an interchangeable fleet of at least 13 Type 26 anti-submarine warfare frigates, participation in Norwegian programs for uncrewed mine hunting and undersea warfare systems, and adoption of Norwegian naval strike missiles by the Royal Navy. The £10 billion warship deal supports over 4,000 British jobs while strengthening NATO capabilities in the strategically vital Greenland-Iceland-UK gap.
Training Operations: Preparing for Arctic Combat
UK Commando Force operations are centered at Camp Viking, established in 2023 near Øverbygd, approximately 40 miles south of Tromsø. The facility serves as a permanent operations hub for British forces training in Arctic conditions.
“The UK Commando Force is stepping up readiness to war-fight alongside our allies in the High North,” stated Lieutenant Colonel Chris Armstrong, Commanding Officer of 30 Commando Information Exploitation Group. “As NATO’s cold-weather specialists, we are ruthlessly focussed on mission rehearsals with our closest partners. Fusing intelligence, bold commando tactics, and cutting-edge technology – we remain poised for operations.”
The current training regimen includes operations across Norway’s challenging terrain of coastlines, mountains, and fjords. Royal Marines are working alongside Norwegian forces and Dutch marines to develop interoperability and refine joint operating procedures in sub-zero conditions.
Commando Helicopter Force has also deployed Wildcat and Merlin helicopters from Yeovilton to Royal Norwegian Air Force Base Bardufoss as part of Operation Clockwork, an annual Arctic helicopter training exercise. Located approximately 20 miles west of Camp Viking, Bardufoss provides critical aviation support for Arctic operations.
Exercise Cold Response 2026: NATO’s Arctic Showcase
The Royal Marines will participate in Exercise Cold Response 2026, scheduled for March 9-19, 2026. The Norwegian-led exercise will involve approximately 25,000 personnel from 14 nations including the United States, Canada, Germany, France, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, Denmark, Belgium, Sweden, Finland, and Turkey.
According to the Norwegian Armed Forces, Cold Response 2026 serves as a multi-domain operation coordinating military effects across land, maritime, air, cyber, and space domains. The exercise aims to demonstrate NATO cohesion, strengthen allied defense capabilities, and reassure populations by showcasing the alliance’s ability to defend its northern flank.
The United States is deploying approximately 4,000 personnel, including 3,000 Marines from II Marine Expeditionary Force based at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. U.S. participation includes P-8 Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft, F-35A Lightning II fighters, and special operations forces.
Exercise activities will occur primarily in Nordland, Troms, and western Finnmark in Norway, with additional operations extending into northern Finland. The drill emphasizes rapid reinforcement capabilities, with forces training to quickly deploy across the Atlantic and integrate with Norwegian defense plans.
Strategic Context: Countering Russian Arctic Activity
The enhanced UK-Norway military cooperation comes amid growing concerns over Russian military presence in the Arctic region. NATO officials have repeatedly expressed concern about increased Russian submarine activity and potential threats to critical undersea infrastructure including communication cables and energy pipelines.
In October 2024, Admiral Rob Bauer, Chairman of the NATO Military Committee, stated: “NATO will defend its interests in the Arctic. We have a responsibility to protect all our Allies, including the seven here in this region.”
The Royal Marines deployment aligns with broader NATO efforts to strengthen deterrence and defense capabilities in the High North. Finland and Sweden’s accession to NATO in 2023 significantly enhanced the alliance’s Arctic posture by adding two nations with extensive cold-weather military expertise.
Norway’s strategic location along Russia’s northwestern border and control of critical maritime chokepoints makes the country essential to NATO’s northern defense architecture. The Barents Sea region has seen increased Russian naval activity, including submarine patrols and surface vessel operations.
Technological Modernization: Advanced Capabilities
The UK Commando Force has undergone six years of modernization incorporating artificial intelligence-enabled targeting systems, multi-domain fire capabilities, and uncrewed surface vessels. These technological enhancements aim to provide NATO with qualitative advantages in the Arctic theater.
The Lunna House Agreement accelerates adoption of autonomous systems for Arctic operations. Both nations will lead NATO efforts to integrate uncrewed platforms for mine hunting, undersea warfare, and surface patrol missions. Norwegian offshore support vessels will serve as motherships for autonomous systems, extending operational reach in harsh Arctic waters.
Royal Marines are also testing advanced cold-weather equipment including all-terrain vehicles, specialized communication systems, and improved survival gear designed for extended operations in sub-zero temperatures. The training incorporates lessons learned from five decades of Arctic operations, building institutional knowledge critical for success in extreme environments.
Allied Integration: Multinational Arctic Cooperation
Beyond UK-Norway bilateral cooperation, Exercise Cold Response 2026 emphasizes broader allied integration. Dutch marines are training alongside British and Norwegian forces, reflecting the Netherlands’ commitment to Arctic security despite its southern European geography.
The exercise provides critical opportunities for forces from warmer climates to gain Arctic experience. Italian, Spanish, and Turkish forces will operate in conditions vastly different from their home territories, building alliance-wide cold-weather competencies.
Major General Daniel L. Shipley, Commander of U.S. Marine Corps Forces Europe and Africa, emphasized the exercise’s importance: “Exercises like Cold Response 26 are crucial for ensuring Norway’s readiness and resilience, as well as demonstrating burden sharing across the Alliance. This exercise isn’t just about preparing for today’s threats; it’s about building the capabilities and strengthening the capacity necessary to deter future aggression and safeguard our shared interests.”
Historical Context: Decades of Arctic Partnership
UK-Norway Arctic military cooperation dates back over 50 years. British Royal Marines have conducted annual winter training in Norway since the early Cold War, building deep institutional relationships with Norwegian forces.
The relationship gained renewed urgency following Russia’s 2014 invasion of Ukraine and subsequent 2022 full-scale invasion. These events refocused NATO attention on territorial defense and rapid reinforcement of frontline allies.
The Lunna House Agreement represents the most significant expansion of UK-Norway military cooperation since the early Cold War period. By establishing year-round Royal Marine presence, the agreement ensures British forces maintain continuous readiness for Arctic operations rather than requiring annual reset periods.
Future Outlook: Sustained Arctic Commitment
The current Royal Marines deployment establishes a template for sustained UK presence in Norway’s Arctic regions. Beyond Exercise Cold Response 2026, British forces will continue year-round training across all seasons, developing capabilities for operations in variable Arctic conditions.
Norwegian Defense Minister Tore O. Sandvik emphasized the significance of expanded British presence: “Royal Marines have a long tradition of practicing winter operations with naval and amphibious forces in Inner Troms, Northern Norway. In the future, they will train in Norway during the other seasons as well. By being more present in Norway, the Royal Marines will be more closely integrated into the defense of Norway, and they will be able to come to our aid quickly if a crisis or war situation should arise.”
The Type 26 frigate program will further strengthen bilateral naval cooperation over the coming decade as vessels enter service. Shared logistics, maintenance facilities, and crew exchange programs will create unprecedented integration between the Royal Navy and Royal Norwegian Navy.
Analysis: Implications for NATO Arctic Strategy
The Royal Marines deployment and Exercise Cold Response 2026 signal NATO’s commitment to Arctic security amid evolving geopolitical dynamics. The alliance faces multiple challenges including climate change opening new maritime routes, increased commercial activity, and competition for Arctic resources.
Russia maintains significant military infrastructure in its Arctic regions including nuclear submarine bases, airfields, and coastal defense systems. Moscow’s Arctic capabilities present challenges for NATO maritime operations and require sustained allied presence to ensure freedom of navigation and credible deterrence.
The UK-Norway partnership model may serve as a template for other bilateral defense arrangements within NATO. By establishing deep integration at the national level, allies can achieve operational synergies beyond what alliance-wide structures alone provide.
Conclusion
Royal Marines Arctic training ahead of Exercise Cold Response 2026 demonstrates UK commitment to NATO’s northern flank and partnership with Norway. The deployment, enabled by the Lunna House Agreement, establishes year-round British presence in the High North and enhances alliance capabilities for Arctic operations.
As 25,000 NATO personnel prepare for the March exercise, the training underscores allied unity in defending European security. For the 1,500 Royal Marines currently operating in Norway’s extreme conditions, the deployment represents both continuation of a decades-long partnership and adaptation to evolving strategic challenges in one of the world’s most demanding operational environments.
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