Royal Marines have carried out high-risk commando raids in Norway as part of a major NATO exercise designed to deter aggression on the alliance’s northern flank.
More than 2,000 personnel from the UK Commando Force have spent the opening months of 2025 conducting extreme cold-weather warfare training alongside NATO allies in the Arctic Circle. The deployment, which reinforces the UK’s commitment to the region, culminated in Exercise Joint Viking, a large-scale multinational operation involving 10,000 troops from nine allied nations.
Night Raids and Amphibious Assaults
The Royal Marines’ role in the exercise was led by 45 Commando, which launched a series of night-time raids on Senja Island from the amphibious ship RFA Lyme Bay. The operation was carried out using Merlin and Wildcat helicopters from Commando Helicopter Force, as well as small raiding craft.
Supported by the Commander Amphibious Task Force, embarked on Lyme Bay, the Royal Marines conducted reconnaissance patrols to assess enemy positions before executing strikes to weaken defensive strongholds. These efforts paved the way for the larger allied force to land ashore, with the final objective being the capture of the Norwegian port of Sørreisa.
Strengthening NATO’s Northern Defence
Commander James Smith, Commander Amphibious Task Force, said the exercise demonstrated NATO’s ability to operate effectively in the High North.
“Exercise Joint Viking has allowed the UK Commando Force to deepen its partnerships with key allies as we seek to deter Russia on NATO’s Northern Flank,” he said.
“Operating from the sea and land, we continue to shape the High North theatre ahead of any crisis or conflict, demonstrating our flexibility and adaptability in extreme conditions.”
Marines Train for Arctic Warfare
The deployment tested the UK’s ability to conduct operations in some of the world’s harshest conditions. Months of survival, movement, and combat training ensured that the Commandos were prepared for Arctic warfare.
RFA Lyme Bay arrived in the region at the end of February as part of an amphibious task group, led by Dutch warship HNLMS Johan De Witt under the command of the Netherlands Maritime Forces. The task group operated under the protection of Standing NATO Maritime Group 1, with Norwegian and US P8 Maritime Patrol Aircraft and allied submarines providing aerial and underwater security.
As the final phase of Joint Viking unfolded, Wildcat helicopters engaged simulated enemy fast attack craft, while the Netherlands Marine Corps launched a secondary assault alongside their British counterparts.
A Strategic Message
Lieutenant Kofi Bruce of the Royal Marines highlighted the importance of the operation in understanding modern amphibious warfare.
“I’ve gained valuable insights into naval tactics, ship-to-shore manoeuvres, and the logistics of deploying personnel and equipment, which will serve me well in my future career.”
The exercise reaffirmed NATO’s ability to respond to threats in the Arctic, ensuring that forces remain combat-ready and capable of securing the alliance’s northern defences.
