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British Navy Patrol Boats Enhance Arctic Security for NATO Operations.
The Royal Navy is set to deploy four P2000 fast patrol boats to the Arctic to participate in NATO’s Exercise Joint Viking 2025, which will take place in Norway. This deployment aims to reinforce the defense of Europe’s northern flank and test British forces' ability to operate in extreme conditions. Over two months, HMS Blazer, Charger, Puncher, and Trumpeter will navigate the fjords of Troms County, working alongside the UK Commando Force’s Royal Marines.

The P2000 Archer Class patrol boats are designed for maritime security and coastal surveillance operations around the United Kingdom (Picture source: Royal Navy)
This mission reflects the evolving role of the Coastal Forces Squadron, which is transitioning from a training unit to a key player in frontline naval operations. With temperatures dropping to as low as -30°C, the P2000s will conduct reconnaissance, intelligence gathering, and commando insertion missions while also simulating adversary forces for NATO units.
The P2000 Archer Class patrol boats are designed for maritime security and coastal surveillance operations around the United Kingdom. Weighing 54 tonnes and measuring 20.8 meters in length, they are powered by two turbocharged V12 MTU diesel engines, enabling a maximum speed of 25 knots and a range of 550 nautical miles. Operated by a crew of five Royal Navy personnel, these vessels can also accommodate up to 12 trainees for training exercises. Some variants, such as HMS Tracker and HMS Raider, are equipped with pintle-mounted general-purpose machine guns and armor plating, providing protection for strategic Royal Navy vessels and escorting submarines in transit.
The mission presents a significant technical challenge for the crews, each consisting of only five sailors. According to HMS Puncher’s Marine Engineer Officer, Chief Petty Officer Nicholas Brooks, this deployment has become an annual event, offering technical teams the opportunity to operate in a harsh environment, often isolated from the UK’s logistical support. For the Royal Navy, this is an opportunity to assess the endurance of personnel and equipment in demanding conditions.
The patrol boats will depart from Portsmouth in early February, making 13 stops across the UK, the Netherlands, Germany, and Denmark before reaching their operational hub in the Norwegian port of Harstad. There, they will coordinate with Royal Navy divers and mine warfare specialists to ensure mission success.
According to Coastal Forces Squadron Commanding Officer Commander Carla Higgins, the exercise provides a new opportunity for the unit to demonstrate its capabilities across different environments and to operate alongside NATO forces. This deployment aligns with the historical role of the Coastal Forces, which played a key part in fast, covert naval operations during both World Wars. Today, these missions are further enhanced by the integration of autonomous systems and advanced technologies aimed at improving maritime security.
The primary objective of this deployment is to strengthen the interoperability of British and NATO forces in Arctic conditions while testing the resilience of both vessels and crews. As HMS Charger’s Commanding Officer, Lieutenant Lara Martin, noted, the exercise will allow for closer cooperation with NATO units while showcasing the operational capabilities of the P2000 patrol boats in challenging environments. As they prepare for departure, the crews remain focused on the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.