Royal Marines Commandos have received 159 new snowmobiles for the Arctic region to enhance their skills in reconnaissance, raiding, and strike missions.
The Lynx Brutal Over Snow Reconnaissance Vehicles have been delivered to the UK Commando Force, the brigade-sized operational arm of the Royal Marines.
Specialist teams of the UK Commando Force were in possession of snowmobiles previously as well.
However, evolving battlefield tactics necessitate the deployment of smaller teams across a wide area, requiring greater mobility.
In keeping with the changing scenario, the service invested 9 million pounds ($11.64 million) in the purchase of snowmobiles last year from a Finnish subsidiary of Canadian firm Bombardier Recreational Products.
“This is a very important investment in the Commando Force’s Special Operations capability in the High North, at a strategically significant time,” Brigadier Chris Haw said.
“This is yet another cutting-edge capability enhancement as part of a wider transformation programme providing a more sophisticated and specialist force to Defence.”
The contract includes in-service support and post-design services.
Surveillance and Reconnaissance Squadron
The vehicles are being put through their paces by the Surveillance and Reconnaissance Squadron (SRS) at Camp Viking — the UK Commando Force’s winter home in Northern Norway — as part of Winter Deployment 25.
Selected from across the three services, the SRS is part of the Plymouth-based 30 Commando Information Exploitation Group and functions as the eyes and ears of the UK Commando Force.
The initial reviews of the snowmobiles have been positive, with greater power, better tracks and suspension options than its predecessors.
“So far the platform has received high praise for ease of use and manoeuvrability, making it the most agile platform used to-date,” said an SRS operator.
“A more powerful platform but in a lighter frame enables the carriage of heavier sledges without any compromise to performance.”
The vehicle performs better at night and features extra suspension. Additionally, it has a more aggressive track that provides more power and lift in deep snow.
“Overall, the platform has been well received and fits well into our operational requirements, which involves long insertion techniques by highly experienced and motivated Extreme Cold Weather experts,” the operator added.
