British Army Soldiers Train in Norway to Operate BV206 Amphibious Vehicles in Harsh Arctic Conditions.

British Army Driver Trainers conducted specialized BV206 driver training for British soldiers in Bardufoss, Norway, on January 29, 2025, during Exercise CLOCKWORK. This critical training aims to qualify personnel in operating the BV206 all-terrain tracked amphibious vehicle in the extreme Arctic conditions of Norway. The BV206, a highly versatile tracked vehicle, is essential for Arctic mobility, allowing British forces to traverse deep snow, ice, and rugged terrain.
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A British Army BV206 all-terrain tracked vehicle moves through deep snow in Bardufoss, Norway, during Exercise CLOCKWORK, showcasing its mobility and adaptability in extreme Arctic conditions. (Picture source: UK MoD)

The BV206 all-terrain amphibious vehicle consists of two articulated and powered sections, with the front unit housing the diesel engine and transmission, while the rear provides additional troop and cargo capacity. Designed for high mobility in harsh environments, the BV206 is fully amphibious, with its caterpillar tracks propelling it across water surfaces when necessary.

In Arctic operations, the BV206 provides unique combat capabilities that make it indispensable for military forces operating in extreme conditions. The vehicle’s low ground pressure allows it to move across deep snow and soft terrain without sinking, ensuring mobility where heavier vehicles would struggle. Its rubber-belted tracks provide exceptional traction on ice, while its articulated design enhances maneuverability in mountainous and forested environments. Fully amphibious, the BV206 can cross rivers, frozen lakes, and coastal waters, making it ideal for rapid river crossings and amphibious insertions in Arctic and sub-Arctic regions.

The BV206 is used in a variety of military roles, including troop transport, fire support, medical evacuation, and logistics. Capable of carrying up to 17 soldiers with their equipment, it ensures rapid deployment into remote areas without relying on existing infrastructure. Some variants are equipped with remote weapon stations, machine guns, or grenade launchers, allowing them to provide defensive and offensive firepower in Arctic combat scenarios. The vehicle is also adapted for medical evacuation, offering climate-controlled transport for wounded personnel in extreme cold. A command and control version is equipped with advanced communications systems, enabling battlefield coordination and long-range Arctic operations.

One of the key advantages of the BV206 is its ability to function in sub-zero temperatures, where conventional vehicles often fail due to frozen hydraulics, engine malfunctions, and degraded battery life. Its cold-resistant components, including pre-heated fuel systems, insulated cabins, and reinforced engine insulation, allow it to operate at temperatures as low as -50°C. This ensures that British forces can sustain operations in remote Arctic locations with minimal logistical support.

Exercise CLOCKWORK is a long-standing British military deployment in Norway, focusing on cold-weather warfare and extreme climate operations. The Commando Helicopter Force (CHF), part of the Joint Helicopter Command (JHC), is also participating in the exercise to maintain its specialist Arctic capabilities. CHF is working alongside the Future Commando Force, the UK’s modernized amphibious and expeditionary warfare unit, to refine operational tactics and develop new strategies suited for Arctic combat and logistics.

The UK has been conducting cold-weather training in Norway for over 50 years, reinforcing its role as a committed and capable defense partner in the High North. As one of the few nations with a dedicated Arctic warfare capability, the UK continues to strengthen interoperability with NATO allies, ensuring readiness to operate in one of the world’s most challenging environments. With growing strategic interest in the Arctic region, British forces’ ability to maneuver and sustain operations in extreme conditions remains crucial. The BV206 driver training is a key component in ensuring that troops can operate effectively, maintaining mobility and logistical support in temperatures that can plunge well below freezing.

The Arctic is becoming an increasingly contested region due to its geopolitical and economic significance. As climate change alters ice coverage, new shipping routes and resource opportunities are emerging, prompting greater military activity from major powers. The UK’s commitment to Arctic operations underscores its role in NATO’s northern defense strategy, ensuring that British forces remain prepared for any future contingencies in the High North.

Several NATO and Arctic-region nations, including the UK, Sweden, Norway, Finland, Canada, and the United States, rely on the BV206 for Arctic warfare. The UK’s use of the BV206 during Exercise CLOCKWORK highlights its continued reliance on this vehicle for maintaining Arctic operational capabilities, particularly as geopolitical tensions in the High North grow. By mastering Arctic vehicle operations, the British Army enhances its ability to conduct rapid deployments, sustain long-range operations, and support multinational missions in extreme conditions. The BV206’s exceptional mobility makes it an indispensable asset in these environments, reinforcing the UK’s position as a leader in Arctic warfare and extreme climate readiness.