Polaris' Arctic Mobility Kit Enhances British Army's Capabilities in Harsh Climates.

At the DVD 2024 event in Millbrook, Polaris, a military vehicle manufacturer, unveiled its Arctic Mobility Kit designed for the MRZR Alpha, a light tactical vehicle. This kit, developed for operations in Arctic environments, allows forces to convert the MRZR Alpha into a platform capable of traversing extreme conditions, including snowy terrains. This system aligns with the armed forces' aim to enhance operational capabilities in challenging climates such as the Arctic.
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By equipping the MRZR Alpha with the Arctic kit, units such as the Royal Marines could move rapidly in extreme conditions, improving their mobility and response capabilities to potential activities of rivals like Russia. (Picture source: ArmyRecognition)

The Arctic Mobility Kit includes a new track system that replaces the wheels and a fully enclosed cabin to protect passengers from the elements. Nick Francis, Vice President of Government and Defense at Polaris, emphasized that the MRZR Alpha is an expeditionary and modular vehicle, allowing operators to adapt it for various missions. "The track system and the cab are designed to enable the vehicle to operate in the Arctic environment, primarily on snow, but also on sand, marshes, and other terrain types," explained Francis.

In 2021, Polaris provided the British Royal Marines with the MRZR-D4, a lightweight all-terrain vehicle intended for mobility and agility operations. This vehicle was acquired by the Royal Navy through the NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA) and has been used in exercises such as GREEN DAGGER in California. The British forces are testing the MRZR-D4 as part of their littoral strike operations, enhancing their ability to maneuver rapidly on the battlefield.

The U.S. Department of Defense has also shown increasing interest in acquiring military capabilities tailored for Arctic operations. In its updated 2019 Arctic Strategy, the department highlighted the role of special forces in the region, emphasizing their agile and expeditionary nature. In this context, Polaris’s Arctic Mobility Kit meets the specific needs of these forces.

At DVD 2024, Polaris showcased the MRZR Alpha equipped with the track system. Each wheel was replaced with a track assembly, enabling the vehicle to navigate various terrains without compromising maneuverability. The cab system includes a windshield, doors, a roof, and a rear partition to protect passengers from harsh weather conditions. Additionally, the windshield is fitted with wipers and a defrosting system, enhancing the MRZR Alpha's performance in extreme environments.

Once the kit is delivered, operators can choose to install the track system, the cab system, or both, depending on the mission's requirements. Francis noted that installing or removing the tracks takes less than four hours and that the system is interchangeable, allowing the vehicle to revert to its standard wheels if necessary. The cab, while primarily designed for cold and wet environments, can be used in various conditions and is customizable, as special forces often camouflage their equipment to suit their surroundings.

A specialized version of the MRZR equipped with the track system is also in use at the Cold Region’s Research and Engineering Laboratory (CRREL) of the U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center. This laboratory focuses on Arctic research, particularly to improve vehicle performance in winter conditions.

The Arctic kit developed by Polaris for the MRZR Alpha could significantly enhance the British Army’s ability to operate effectively in the Arctic region. With this system, British forces would have a lightweight and modular vehicle capable of navigating snowy terrains and hostile environments, which is crucial for monitoring and protecting the new maritime routes opened by melting ice.

By equipping the MRZR Alpha with the Arctic kit, units such as the Royal Marines could move rapidly in extreme conditions, improving their mobility and response capabilities to potential activities of rivals like Russia. This vehicle, with its enclosed cabin and track system, would allow British troops to operate more safely and efficiently, even in the harshest Arctic conditions. This adaptability would be a strategic asset for the United Kingdom, facilitating training in difficult environments and strengthening collaboration with NATO partners to secure the Arctic region.