British commandos have been in northern Norway learning how huskies can help supply troops operating behind enemy lines.
UK commandos train in cold weather fighting techniques in Norway every year, with the Ministry of Defence saying the skills learned there can be used in any environment – “the idea being that if you can operate in the Arctic Circle, you can operate anywhere”.
This year’s deployment came as Russia’s war in Ukraine entered its third year and the Royal Navy said the conflict had provided lessons in how “logistics continue to evolve on the modern-day battlefield”.
Chivenor-based Commando Logistic Regiment and the Commando Helicopter Force’s Ground Mobility Troop travel by foot, skis or snowmobiles, or even trucks, with the emphasis being on speed and remaining undetected.
Known as a combat service support squadron, one of their roles is to breach the frontline and quickly supply commando raiding parties with ammunition, fuel, food and medical supplies.
And the troops wanted to see how huskies, known for strength and endurance, could help.
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They looked at how far the dogs can travel, how snow affects their speed and endurance, and how to plan a journey given their speed means they cannot make quick turns.
Captain Al Hunter Royal Marines said: “We have been addressing the threat of high-tech weapons by looking at low-tech, low signature solutions, like the huskies, to resupply advanced forces.”
The trial took place before Nordic Response, a multi-national exercise based on learning to move, fight and survive in the Arctic.
The troops recovered broken-down vehicles, repaired them in the field, conducted supply missions and practiced breaching enemy lines.
