As part of the Cold Response 26 exercise, the UK’s Royal Marines used a German Type 212A submarine in operational preparations linked to the defense of NATO’s northern flank—specifically in the Arctic. The operation involved the alliance’s largest maneuvers in the region so far this year, bringing together more than 25,000 troops from 14 allied countries.
During the exercise, British commandos surfaced from the depths of an Arctic fjord aboard the German attack submarine U-35, operated by the German Navy (Deutsche Marine). The insertion took place roughly 200 miles inside the Arctic Circle, from where personnel left the submarine using inflatable assault boats known as Inflatable Raiding Craft (IRC) to conduct a covert reconnaissance mission before returning to the vessel and disappearing beneath the water once again.
The aim of the operation was to infiltrate undetected into territory controlled by the exercise’s “enemy”, remain concealed while carrying out observation tasks, and then coordinate naval gunfire from allied warships. After completing the mission, the commandos executed a stealthy withdrawal to avoid detection, replicating operational scenarios that could emerge in a real conflict in Arctic environments.
The mission was carried out by specialized elements of the UK Commando Force, including the Surveillance and Reconnaissance Squadron (SRS), the Shore Reconnaissance Troop (SRT), and 148 Commando Forward Observation Battery. These units are trained to conduct infiltration, reconnaissance, and target designation behind enemy lines, operating as forward elements ahead of the main force.
The SRS deputy commander—whose identity was not disclosed for operational reasons—explained that the ability to insert reconnaissance teams from a submarine is critical in the Arctic environment. As he put it, “in the harsh and unforgiving domain of the High North, where extreme weather and adversary surveillance prevail, the ability to covertly insert reconnaissance teams via inflatable raiding craft launched from a submarine is indispensable.” He added that this capability “provides the stealth advantage needed to penetrate denied areas, gather intelligence on subsurface and littoral threats, and shape the operational environment prior to any escalation.”
During the operation off Norway’s coast, reconnaissance teams observed a simulated enemy radar installation and transmitted the information required to coordinate naval fire from NATO destroyers, which neutralized the target during the exercise. A team leader from 148 Commando Forward Observation Battery noted that this type of mission has historical precedent within the unit, stating: “Exercises like this are similar to our historical roots dating back to the Falkland Islands, where 148 Battery directed naval gunfire prior to the recapture of the islands.”
These activities are part of a broader UK deployment in northern Norway, where around 1,500 British commandos have been operating since January in preparation for Cold Response 26—an exercise focused on defending NATO’s northern flank. The Arctic has grown in strategic relevance due to its importance for sea routes, North Atlantic surveillance, and military competition among major powers.
This deployment is also tied to deepening UK–Norway military cooperation aimed at strengthening regional security. Earlier this year, both countries signed the Lunna House agreement, allowing the UK Commando Force to maintain a year-round permanent presence on Norwegian territory, expanding the traditional winter deployment model. In parallel, London announced plans to double its military contingent in Norway from 1,000 to 2,000 personnel over the coming years, as part of NATO efforts to bolster Arctic defense amid rising strategic tensions in the region.
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