Defense News

UK

The Royal Marines are set to bolster their capabilities in extreme cold weather operations with a substantial investment in new equipment. Valued at GBP 10 million, the procurement of Lynx Brutal Over Snow Reconnaissance Vehicles, manufactured by a Finnish subsidiary of Bombardier Recreational Products (BRP), signals a significant shift in battlefield tactics. These snowmobiles, slated for delivery from March 2025 onwards, are tailored to traverse deep snow, providing the Commando Force with enhanced mobility and tactical advantage in hostile Arctic environments.

Traditionally reliant on skis, snowshoes, or towed by armored vehicles, Royal Marines recognize the need for faster and more efficient means of traversing vast distances over challenging terrain. The evolving nature of modern warfare demands smaller, agile teams capable of executing reconnaissance, raiding, and strike missions deep within enemy territory. This strategic imperative underscores the importance of equipping the Commando Force with versatile assets such as the Lynx Brutal, facilitating rapid deployment and operational flexibility.

Captain Nick Unwin RN, Commando Force Programme Director, underscores the transformative impact of this procurement, emphasizing the Lynx Brutal's compatibility with the Commandos' evolving operational requirements. With its proven track record and specialized design, the snowmobile aligns seamlessly with the Commando Force's mandate to operate beyond the capabilities of conventional forces in the High North.

Steve Hayward, Team Leader for the Specialist & Autonomous Mobility (SAM) team at Defence, Equipment and Support (DE&S), highlights the collaborative efforts between stakeholders and industry partners in realizing this procurement milestone. The rigorous Assessment Phase trials, supported by DE&S, Navy, UKSC, and industry collaboration, underscore the commitment to delivering cutting-edge equipment that empowers the Commando Force to excel in extreme cold weather environments.

While existing snowmobile assets remain operational, the decision to invest in the Lynx Brutal reflects a strategic imperative to maintain operational superiority. As part of the Littoral Response Group (North), a Royal Navy amphibious task force, the Commando Force is poised to swiftly respond to emerging threats in Northern Europe's waterways, including the complex Norwegian coastlines, the High North, and the Arctic.

Recent military exercises in the Arctic alongside NATO allies underscore the Royal Marines' commitment to operational readiness and interoperability. During Exercise Nordic Response, Royal Marines executed vital reconnaissance and strike missions, neutralizing adversary infrastructure and paving the way for larger NATO forces to advance into Nordic regions. Led by strike teams from 45 Commando, these operations demonstrated the Commando Force's ability to operate in austere environments and integrate seamlessly with allied forces.

The imminent arrival of new snowmobiles coincides with the acquisition of amphibious vehicles, further enhancing the Commando Force's expeditionary capabilities. Sixty Future All-Terrain Vehicles, equipped with amphibious swimming capability and increased lift capacity, are set to replace aging Bv 206s and Viking vehicles under a GBP 140 million international agreement. These vehicles, slated for service until 2058, underscore the Royal Marines' commitment to modernization and operational effectiveness in diverse operational environments.

The investment in new snowmobiles and amphibious vehicles represents a strategic milestone in the Royal Marines' ongoing transformation. With enhanced mobility and operational flexibility, the Commando Force is better positioned to execute missions in extreme cold weather environments, safeguarding national interests and reinforcing NATO's collective defense posture.