RAF Regiment personnel are strengthening their ability to protect NATO air operations in the High North as they complete a dedicated programme of Arctic Warfare training in Norway ahead of Exercise Cold Response 2026.
Operating more than 200 miles inside the Arctic Circle, the training develops the survival, mobility and protection skills required to secure airfields and enable air operations in extreme cold-weather conditions.
Training in One of the Harshest Environments on Earth
Temperatures down to –21°C, deep snow and limited daylight make Arctic operations uniquely demanding. To prepare for these conditions, 51 Squadron RAF Regiment has been conducting Exercise Nordic Cheetah in Evenes, Norway - an essential step before integrating into Cold Response.
During a recent visit, Commander RAF Regiment, Group Captain Wiseman, and the Corps Warrant Officer, WO Cashmore, met personnel as they completed the winter survival phase of the exercise.
“RAF Regiment personnel have demonstrated the resilience and professionalism needed to operate in one of the world’s toughest environments. Their work here directly enhances NATO’s ability to maintain secure and effective air operations in the High North.”
Group Captain Wiseman
Commander RAF Regiment
The winter survival phase includes navigation, shelter-building, sustaining operations in extreme cold and ice‑breaking drills - procedures used to prepare personnel for the risks of operating on or near frozen terrain.
Advancing to Winter Warfare Training
With survival foundations complete, the Squadron now moves into Winter Warfare training, developing the tactics, techniques and procedures required to protect air assets and infrastructure across snow-covered and mountainous terrain.
“The competencies gained here - survival, mobility and protection - are vital contributions to collective defence and to our wider NATO commitments.”
Warrant Officer Cashmore
RAF Regiment Corps
This progression ensures RAF Regiment gunners are able to manoeuvre effectively, maintain situational awareness and deliver force protection tasks in an environment that challenges both personnel and equipment.
Supporting NATO Air Operations in the High North
The Regiment’s Arctic training directly supports NATO’s wider readiness activity across the region. In Cold Response, RAF Regiment forces will integrate with allied units to secure air operating locations, protect key enabling assets and ensure air operations can be sustained despite extreme weather and terrain.
This work strengthens the UK’s contribution to collective defence and reinforces NATO’s commitment to security in the High North.
