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SITM 2025: Mobility, Stealth and Protection for Mountain Troops – Solutions for High-Altitude Challenges.
The International Mountain Troops Summit (SITM) brought together specialists in high-altitude combat, industry leaders, and military decision-makers in Grenoble to address a key question: how to equip and support forces operating in extreme environments? This first edition showcased innovative solutions, from tracked vehicles optimized for snow to counter-drone measures, as well as stealth and thermal protection equipment tailored to Arctic conditions. Several companies used the event to unveil significant technological advancements. Among them, Polaris Defense presented its new vehicles adapted to snowy terrain operations, DroneShield introduced its counter-drone systems with the ambition of integrating them into mountain forces, while Polar Apex and Faction Tactical showcased equipment specifically designed for extreme cold and challenging terrain.
Polaris Defense’s mobility-enhancing vehicles, DroneShield’s counter-UAV technologies, Polar Apex’s stealth and thermal protection materials, and Faction Tactical’s military skis collectively showcased how modern equipment is evolving to meet the demands of forces operating in extreme environments (Picture source: Army Recognition)
Polaris Defense: Tactical Mobility in Snowy Terrain
During SITM 2025, Polaris Defense showcased three vehicles designed to enhance mobility in cold-weather and high-altitude military operations. Philippe Hugue, a company representative, introduced the MRZR Alpha, the TITAN and RMK military snowmobiles, and the Sportsman MV850, all tailored to meet the challenges of extreme environments.
The MRZR Alpha is equipped with a turbo diesel engine and an 8-speed transmission, combining durability and agility to navigate rugged terrain efficiently. Its reinforced chassis and specialized Arctic accessories make it a strategic asset for units deployed in high-altitude conditions where reliability and adaptability are crucial.
Polaris Defense also presented its TITAN and RMK military snowmobiles, specifically engineered for operations in deep snow and extreme cold. These vehicles incorporate wide tracks to enhance stability and feature infrared blackout systems, ensuring they can operate discreetly when required.
In addition, the company introduced the Sportsman MV850, an armored all-terrain quad built for personnel and equipment transport in difficult terrain. Designed to function under the harshest conditions, it boasts a 1,500-pound towing capacity, an all-wheel-drive system, and a reinforced frame, offering high resilience and operational effectiveness in extreme environments.
DroneShield: Counter-Drone Solutions for Mountain Operations
The growing presence of UAV threats in high-altitude environments has prompted DroneShield to develop specialized solutions for mountain operations. While counter-drone systems are not yet widely integrated into mountain troop arsenals, the company aims to emphasize the necessity of these technologies. At SITM 2025, DroneShield introduced four key systems focused on drone detection and neutralization, each offering strategic advantages in mitigating airborne threats.
The DroneGun Mk4 is a lightweight and portable device designed to disrupt communication between a drone and its operator, effectively forcing the UAV to land immediately or return to its point of origin. Complementing this capability, the RfPatrol Mk2 provides a passive detection system, allowing deployed units to identify enemy drones discreetly without emitting detectable signals.
For engagements requiring extended range, DroneShield presented the DroneGun Tactical, a long-range neutralization system designed for scenarios where operators must swiftly and effectively counter drones from a distance. Additionally, the DroneSentry-X Mk2, a vehicle-mounted or fixed-position system, integrates advanced detection and directional jamming capabilities, making it adaptable to both mobile and static deployments.
By highlighting these innovations, DroneShield seeks to raise awareness among mountain forces regarding the evolving UAV threat. With drones increasingly used for reconnaissance and precision strikes in mountainous terrain, counter-UAV measures are becoming an essential component of modern high-altitude operations.
Polar Apex and Faction Tactical: Protection and Mobility for Extreme Environments
At SITM 2025, Polar Apex and Faction Tactical shared a stand to introduce new technologies aimed at improving protection and mobility for forces operating in extreme environments. Both companies presented solutions designed to enhance stealth, thermal resilience, and maneuverability in high-altitude conditions.
Polar Apex unveiled several innovations focused on stealth and thermal protection. One of the standout technologies was the Nano Stealth Material (NSM), an advanced fabric engineered to counter thermal, infrared, and radar detection, significantly improving tactical concealment for military personnel operating in exposed environments.
The company also introduced the Arctic Diving Underlayer (ADU), a high-performance submersible undergarment developed for divers operating in polar conditions. This suit is designed with advanced insulation technology, ensuring optimal heat retention in freezing temperatures while also providing complete electromagnetic signature reduction, a crucial feature for stealth missions in cold environments.
Another key innovation was the Inferno Suppressor Cover (ISC), a high-temperature-resistant suppressor cover capable of withstanding heat levels up to 1,200°C. This protective system not only reduces the mirage effect caused by heat distortion but also minimizes thermal emissions, improving operational discretion and performance.
Faction Tactical, specializing in military-grade skis, introduced a new line of high-performance skis adapted for combat and mobility in mountainous regions. Derived from its Secret Agent 2 and Secret Agent models, these skis have been redesigned for military applications, offering enhanced stability and maneuverability on steep and rugged terrains. Made from lightweight yet durable materials, they enable soldiers to move efficiently through deep snow and challenging slopes, ensuring greater agility and responsiveness in combat scenarios.
SITM 2025: A Strategic Platform for High-Altitude Military Operations
The SITM 2025 served as a key event for showcasing cutting-edge solutions tailored to the challenges of high-altitude combat. From Polaris Defense’s mobility-enhancing vehicles and DroneShield’s counter-UAV technologies to Polar Apex’s stealth and thermal protection materials and Faction Tactical’s military skis, the summit provided a comprehensive view of how modern equipment is evolving to meet the needs of forces operating in extreme environments.
With strong international participation and an increasing focus on technologies designed for mountain warfare, the SITM is positioning itself as an essential platform for military specialists looking to adapt to high-altitude operational challenges. The next edition is set to take place in 2027.