As the RAF continues to defend our people, interests and allies across the Middle East, RAF personnel are also operating further north, maintaining readiness in one of the most demanding environments in the world.
Throughout Cold Response 26, RAF personnel have been operating across the High North (the greater Arctic, including parts of the North Atlantic) sharpening the skills required to respond rapidly across multiple theatres. From active defensive operations in the Middle East to activity in the Arctic, the RAF remains ready to operate at home and abroad, wherever it is needed alongside our allies.
Maintaining readiness across all environments is essential. The RAF must be able to transition seamlessly between theatres, sustaining operational capability.
Training in the High North provides exactly that test. Operating in an Arctic environment places intense demands on personnel, reinforcing core operational skills such as situational awareness, critical thinking and problem‑solving. Teams contend with low visibility, complex terrain and extreme cold, with temperatures dropping as low as –21°C. These conditions ensure personnel remain prepared for operations in the most challenging circumstances.
Maintaining the tactical edge
Low‑level flying remains a critical capability within the RAF. Requiring precise planning, heightened concentration and rapid decision‑making, while enabling personnel to rehearse tactics designed to reduce detection and enhance survivability. These demanding profiles ensure the RAF retains the skills required for contested and high‑threat environments.
The RAF’s Air Mobility Force underpins UK operations and exercises worldwide. With A400M Atlas, Voyager and C‑17 Globemaster aircraft, it delivers global reach, supports joint force activity, and enables personnel to train and rehearse complex tactical operations alongside allies.
Delivering effect without landing
Operations in the High North also allow RAF personnel to practice low‑level air‑drop procedures. The ability to deliver mission‑critical equipment without landing provides flexibility and operational advantage, particularly in remote or constrained environments. Rehearsing these procedures in extreme conditions ensures they can be executed safely and effectively when required.
Ready across theatres
Operating successfully in the High North directly supports NATO’s wider readiness posture. It demonstrates the RAF’s ability to project air power, sustain operations and protect key assets across multiple regions - from ongoing Defensive operations in the Middle East to the High North, or at home.
This work reinforces the UK’s contribution to collective defence and underlines the RAF’s enduring commitment to NATO security, ensuring forces remain ready, resilient and capable wherever the mission demands.
