Wildcat helicopters from British Navy's Commando Helicopter Force train in Norway for Arctic warfare.

The Commando Helicopter Force (CHF) of the British Royal Navy is currently deployed in Norway for Exercise CLOCKWORK 2025, where Wildcat helicopters from 847 Naval Air Squadron (NAS) are undergoing intensive training to enhance their ability to operate in the extreme Arctic environment. This annual exercise is crucial in ensuring that the UK’s helicopter forces remain fully capable of executing combat operations in one of the world’s most challenging climates, where sub-zero temperatures, heavy snowfall, and limited daylight pose severe operational difficulties.
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During Operation CLOCKWORK in Norway, Wildcat helicopters from 847 NAS Squadron conduct a training sortie, guiding air assets and ground troops onto targets in a ground attack role. (Picture source: UK MoD)

As a specialist unit under the Joint Helicopter Command (JHC), CHF (Commando Helicopter Force) plays a vital role in providing aerial reconnaissance, close air support, and troop mobility for the Royal Marines. The 847 NAS (Naval Air Squadron), which operates the AgustaWestland AW159 Wildcat, is tasked with supporting 3 Commando Brigade Royal Marines and other UK forces in high-intensity combat scenarios. Known for its versatility, advanced sensor systems, and agility, the Wildcat is an indispensable asset for Arctic warfare, where mobility and rapid response are critical to mission success.

During Exercise CLOCKWORK 2025, the Wildcats of 847 NAS have been conducting battlefield reconnaissance, target designation, and joint fire support missions alongside British ground forces and Norwegian F-35A fighter jets. The helicopters have played a key role in guiding air assets and ground troops onto enemy targets, showcasing their ability to provide real-time intelligence and precision strike capabilities even in the harshest conditions. This level of coordination is essential for modern warfare, where accurate targeting and seamless air-ground integration are fundamental to mission success.

The Wildcat helicopter, the successor to the Lynx, is designed for both land and maritime operations. It is equipped with a Selex Seaspray 7000E radar, a L3 Wescam MX-15 electro-optical targeting system, and advanced defensive countermeasures, allowing it to perform in low-visibility environments such as Arctic snowstorms and fog. The aircraft’s weapons package includes 20mm cannons, Martlet and Hellfire missiles, and unguided rockets, giving it a formidable combat punch in both air-to-ground and anti-ship roles. Its lightweight frame and high agility allow it to navigate through treacherous mountainous terrain, making it an ideal platform for Arctic reconnaissance and strike missions.

The 847 NAS squadron, composed of highly trained aircrew and engineers, specializes in battlefield surveillance, direct action missions, and support for amphibious assaults. The unit has a long-standing tradition of operating in extreme environments, from jungle warfare in the 1960s Borneo campaigns to modern Arctic, desert, and maritime operations. Their expertise in forward air control and intelligence gathering is instrumental in providing the Royal Marines with real-time situational awareness and precision attack guidance.

Training in Norway is essential for ensuring that British forces can deploy effectively in the increasingly contested Arctic region, where geopolitical tensions are rising and military presence is becoming more significant. The ability to operate helicopters in freezing temperatures, high winds, and unpredictable weather conditions is a key strategic advantage, particularly in the context of NATO’s commitment to defending the High North. The Wildcat’s survivability and adaptability in such conditions reinforce its role as a crucial force multiplier for British and allied troops operating in extreme climates.

Exercise CLOCKWORK 2025 not only strengthens the UK’s ability to conduct cold-weather warfare but also deepens military cooperation between British and Norwegian forces. By integrating operations with Norwegian F-35A fighter jets and ground troops, CHF is ensuring that the UK and its NATO allies maintain a high level of interoperability and joint operational effectiveness. The lessons learned in Norway will directly contribute to improving the Wildcat’s Arctic combat tactics, ensuring that 847 NAS remains ready for any future deployment in the region.

As global interest in the Arctic continues to grow, the importance of maintaining a well-trained, combat-ready force in the region cannot be understated. With its state-of-the-art avionics, advanced weaponry, and Arctic-proven capabilities, the Wildcat helicopter remains a critical asset for the Commando Helicopter Force and the wider British military. By refining their skills in Norway under extreme conditions, British helicopter crews are reinforcing the UK’s ability to project power and defend its strategic interests in the Arctic and beyond.