Royal Marines Enhance Arctic Operations with New Snowmobiles
The Royal Marines Commandos have bolstered their capabilities in the Arctic with the addition of 159 new snowmobiles designed to better support reconnaissance, raiding, and strike missions. These state-of-the-art Lynx Brutal Over Snow Reconnaissance Vehicles have been officially delivered to the UK Commando Force, the brigade-level operational unit within the Royal Marines. Previously, specialized teams within the Commando Force have utilized snowmobiles, but evolving battlefield strategies now demand that smaller teams operate over sprawling areas, highlighting the need for superior mobility.
In light of these challenges, the Royal Marines made a strategic investment of £9 million (approximately $11.64 million) last year to acquire these advanced snowmobiles from a Finnish subsidiary of Bombardier Recreational Products. Brigadier Chris Haw emphasized the importance of this investment, stating, “This is a very important investment in the Commando Force’s Special Operations capability in the High North, at a strategically significant time.” He mentioned that the acquisition is a crucial part of a broader transformation program aimed at enhancing Defense by creating a more sophisticated and specialized force.
Testing and Performance Reviews
As part of their operational preparations, the new vehicles are currently undergoing rigorous testing by the Surveillance and Reconnaissance Squadron (SRS) at Camp Viking, the UK Commando Force’s winter base located in Northern Norway. During Winter Deployment 25, the SRS—comprising personnel selected from the three military services—serves as the eyes and ears of the Commando Force, providing vital surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities.
Initial feedback regarding the snowmobiles has been overwhelmingly positive, with users noting significant improvements in power, suspension, and track technology compared to earlier models. An SRS operator commented on the platform’s usability, stating, “So far, the platform has received high praise for ease of use and maneuverability, making it the most agile platform used to date.” Additionally, the vehicle’s lighter frame allows for the transport of heavier sleds without sacrificing performance.
Enhanced Night Operations and Adaptability
The new snowmobiles show remarkable performance improvements, especially during night operations, owing to enhanced suspension systems. They come equipped with a more aggressive track design that provides greater power and lift in deep snow, an essential feature for Arctic missions.
The operator further pointed out that the platform has been exceptionally well received and aligns closely with their operational requirements, which include long insertion techniques carried out by highly skilled Extreme Cold Weather experts. Overall, the successful introduction of these snowmobiles marks a significant advancement in the Royal Marines’ Arctic operational capabilities.