Royal Marines conduct submarine insertion in Norwegian fjords. NATO operations in Northern Europe

Commandos from the Royal Marines conducted a covert insertion from the German submarine U-35 (S185), a Type 212A boat, in the Arctic fjords of northern Norway as part of the multinational Exercise Cold Response 26, the largest NATO exercise in the High North this year.

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12 march 2026   |   10:50   |   Source: Gazeta Morska   |   Prepared by: Kamil Kusier   |   Print

fot. NATO / Royal Marines / Joint Force Command Norfolk

According to Royal Navy, the commandos emerged “from the icy depths of an Arctic fjord” to carry out a simulated reconnaissance and targeting mission against a hostile coastal installation.

The training scenario reflected the type of operation that would precede the deployment of larger allied naval forces. Small reconnaissance teams infiltrated an area controlled by a simulated adversary, gathered intelligence on coastal infrastructure and transmitted targeting data to allied naval units.

Submarine insertion in the High North

The mission began roughly 200 miles inside the Arctic Circle. Submarine U-35 (S185) surfaced in a Norwegian fjord carrying elements of the UK’s Commando Force specialising in reconnaissance and naval fire support coordination.

After surfacing, the teams deployed from the submarine using Inflatable Raiding Craft (IRC) and moved quietly toward the shoreline. Operating with minimal radar and acoustic signature, they established observation positions overlooking a simulated enemy installation.

Maintaining concealment was critical throughout the mission. The reconnaissance teams were tasked with approaching the target area undetected, identifying key elements of the adversary’s coastal surveillance network and relaying precise coordinates to allied naval forces operating offshore.

In the exercise scenario the target was an enemy radar station responsible for monitoring maritime and air activity along the Norwegian coastline. Once the target had been confirmed, the commandos transmitted its coordinates to NATO warships operating in the area.

Allied vessels then conducted a simulated naval gunfire strike, which in the exercise scenario destroyed the radar installation and effectively “blinded” the adversary to the movements of a task group manoeuvring off the coast.

Following completion of the mission, the reconnaissance teams withdrew along the same route, returning by IRC to the waiting submarine. The boat subsequently submerged and departed the area.

Specialist elements of the Commando Force

The operation involved specialist elements of the UK Commando Force: the Surveillance and Reconnaissance Squadron (SRS), Shore Reconnaissance Troop (SRT) and 148 Commando Forward Observation Battery.

The deputy commander of SRS highlighted the operational importance of this capability in the High North:

- In the High North’s harsh and unforgiving domain, where extreme climatic conditions and adversary vigilance dominate, the ability to covertly insert reconnaissance teams ashore via Inflatable Raiding Craft launched from a submarine is indispensable. It delivers the stealthy edge needed to penetrate denied areas, deny the enemy sanctuary, collect vital intelligence on subsurface and littoral threats and shape the operational environment before any escalation. This insertion capability from below the waves provides critical initiative to NATO in one of the planet’s most strategically contested regions.

SRS and SRT units operate at the forefront of the Royal Marines’ expeditionary capability. Their primary tasks include conducting reconnaissance ahead of the main force, surveying coastal landing areas and preparing the operational environment for follow-on amphibious or maritime operations.

A key role during the mission was played by 148 Commando Forward Observation Battery, a unit specialised in coordinating joint fires. Its personnel are trained to direct artillery, naval gunfire and close air support while operating in small teams behind enemy lines.

A team leader from 148 Battery noted the historical roots of this capability:

- We regularly train with NATO Special Operations Forces partners to practise naval fire support, but it’s been great getting re-qualified in this insertion method. Serials like this are similar to our historical roots dating back to the Falklands where 148 delivered naval gunfire prior to the retaking of the islands. Combining naval gunfire support with this is a key skill to support operations in the High North.

The reference recalls the role played by British forward observers during the Falklands War, when small teams directed naval gunfire to support amphibious operations during the campaign to retake the islands.

Strategic importance of the Arctic theatre

Exercise Cold Response 26 involves approximately 25,000 personnel from 14 nations operating across northern Norway and surrounding maritime areas. The exercise focuses on collective defence of NATO’s northern flank and the ability to conduct operations in Arctic and sub-Arctic conditions.

The High North has growing strategic significance for maritime security. The Norwegian Sea forms a key maritime corridor between North America and Europe and is also a principal operating area for Russian submarines deploying from bases on the Kola Peninsula.

Control of coastal surveillance systems — including radar sites, electronic monitoring stations and maritime sensors — is therefore critical to maintaining situational awareness and freedom of manoeuvre for naval forces operating in the region.

Royal Marines deployment in northern Norway

The fjord operation formed part of a wider UK deployment to the Arctic region. Since January, around 1,500 Royal Marines have been operating in northern Norway in preparation for Cold Response.

Training activities included Arctic mobility, mountain warfare, littoral operations and integration with allied naval and special operations forces. Particular emphasis was placed on operating in fjord environments and coordinating reconnaissance teams with maritime strike assets.

Submarine-enabled special operations

The episode involving submarine U-35 highlights the growing importance of integrating submarine platforms with special operations forces in modern maritime warfare.

Submarines provide a covert means of inserting reconnaissance teams into denied coastal areas, allowing allied forces to identify and target critical infrastructure before the arrival of larger naval formations.

In the Arctic environment — characterised by vast operational distances, complex coastlines and dispersed surveillance networks — such capabilities may prove decisive in shaping the battlespace and enabling freedom of manoeuvre for allied maritime forces.

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Royal Marines Cold Response 26 NATO operacje specjalne Wysoka Północ

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