British Royal Marines to be equipped with 159 new snow vehicles.

The British Royal Marines are set to enhance their operational capabilities in extreme environments with the acquisition of new vehicles specifically designed for snow operations, as announced by the Royal Navy. With an investment exceeding $12 million, the special forces will be equipped with 159 Lynx Brutal Over Snow Reconnaissance Vehicles, produced by a Finnish subsidiary of the Canadian company Bombardier Recreational Products (BRP). These deliveries are scheduled post-March 2025, marking a significant shift in tactical approaches and the challenges faced by commandos in deep snow conditions.
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These snowmobiles will accompany the arrival of 60 future all-terrain vehicles, intended to replace the current fleet of Bv 206s, as part of an effort to modernize and maintain operational advantage in polar regions. (Picture source: Royal Navy )

This initiative comes at a time when the Royal Marines are adapting their operational methodologies in the Arctic territory, known for its harsh climatic conditions. Traditionally reliant on skis, snowshoes, or being towed by armored vehicles for skijoring, the need for rapid movement over long distances has led to the adoption of these new motorized vehicles.

These snowmobiles will accompany the arrival of 60 future all-terrain vehicles, intended to replace the current fleet of Bv 206s, as part of an effort to modernize and maintain operational advantage in polar regions. The Lynx Brutal, designed to operate in deep snow, is described as perfectly suited for transporting commandos and their equipment behind enemy lines, thus facilitating special operations in the High North.

Captain Nick Unwin RN, the Commando Force Programme Director, highlighted that the acquisition of these vehicles represents a further step in the ongoing evolution of the Commando Force, both in terms of their missions and methodologies. The Lynx Brutal's compatibility with operations in the High North and its use by several partners and allies were key factors in selecting this vehicle.

Steve Hayward, the Specialist & Autonomous Mobility (SAM) team leader at Defence, Equipment, and Support (DE&S), expressed satisfaction with the awarding of the contract for the supply and technical support of the BRP Over-Snow Vehicles. This project is part of a close collaboration between DE&S, the Navy, the UKSC, and the industry, marking a significant advancement towards equipping the Commando Force for maximum efficiency in cold environments, particularly the High North.

These investments reflect the evolution of combat tactics and the necessity to maintain an operational advantage, especially in the context of recent major military exercises in the Arctic alongside NATO allies. The Royal Marines played a crucial role in attacking enemy infrastructure and conducting covert reconnaissance missions, thus facilitating the intervention of large-scale NATO forces in the Nordic regions. These operations enabled HMS Prince of Wales and the UK Carrier Strike Group, including F-35B Lightning jets, to strike deep inland enemy targets.

The anticipated arrival of the new snowmobiles is accompanied by the procurement of new amphibious all-terrain vehicles, replacing the older Bv 206s and Viking vehicles, as part of a £140 million international agreement. With improved amphibious swimming capability and better lifting capacity, these vehicles will be in service until 2058, demonstrating the UK's continued commitment to maintaining a strategic presence in the Arctic and beyond.

Defense News April 2024