Personnel and aircraft from the Chinook Force have deployed to Bardufoss, Northern Norway, under direction from Joint Aviation Command (JAC), as part of Operation Clockwork.
The deployment supports Defence activity in the High North and maintains the UK’s ability to operate in some of the world’s most challenging environments.
Operating more than 200 nautical miles inside the Arctic Circle, Chinook crews and engineers will train in extreme cold weather conditions alongside NATO colleagues from the Royal Norwegian Air Force. The training includes mountain flying, underslung load operations, and engineering support in sub‑zero temperatures — all core skills for operating in the Arctic.
Operation Clockwork ensures JAC force elements, held at high readiness, remain fully capable of delivering on operations where freezing temperatures, deep snow and restricted daylight demand exceptional proficiency.
On the ground, the Joint Helicopter Support Squadron (JHSS) provides essential specialist expertise, enabling the safe loading and unloading of underslung loads. Their work ensures that the Chinook Force can operate effectively and safely, even in the most demanding winter conditions.
The Chinook Force will remain deployed for the next month, sharpening vital skills and strengthening cooperation with key NATO partners across the region.
