British and Dutch marines 'drop in to' Exercise Joint Viking
Around 12,000 personnel from across the world have come together to be part of Exercise Joint Viking 2023 – including British and Dutch marines who 'dropped in' by parachute into the snowy Norwegian landscape.
This year's exercise includes troops from the UK, Norway, US, and other allied nations, including the British Surveillance and Reconnaissance Squadron (SRS), the Second Battalion of the Parachute Regiment, the Dutch Marines and members of the Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF).
Joint Viking is a Norwegian armed forces-led military winter exercise held every two years with invited forces from Nato and partner nations, designed for troops from across the alliance to learn how to operate effectively in the High North and with each other to deter the threats and enhance security in the region.
Exercise Joint Viking normally takes place in March every two years, but was cancelled in 2021 due to Covid-19, making this year the first time it has taken place in four years.
The 2023 exercise is one of the largest winter Joint Expeditionary Force deployments to Norway's High North, and also includes personnel from the Royal Navy and the Royal Air Force.
Troops are training in austere conditions as they collaborate, train and operate together with Norwegian Army and US Marine Corps (USMC) units to enhance their skills on the northern flank of Nato.
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