Land Domain Combat Capability in the High North

Authors:

  • John Welsh

Publish date: 2026-09-10

Report number: FOI-R--5882--SE

Pages: 78

Written in: English

Keywords:

  • Scandinavian High North
  • subarctic capability
  • cold-weather capability
  • empty battlefield
  • low-density battlefield

Abstract

This report presents the unique conditions and resultant military requirements for conducting conventional large-scale operations in the Scandinavian High North. By using three derived heuristics, a set of distinct military units from five Western states was then assessed for their ability to operate effectively in that environment. The report is based on an open-source literature review that has collated material primarily regarding patterns of military exercises in the region in the last five years. The conclusions feature a list of Western military units that are assessed as capable of operating in the High North. These units are primarily Norwegian, Finnish, and American.