Land Domain Combat Capability in the High North
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.