Ice, snow and temperatures down to -25°C. It is in this extreme scenario that the’Italian Air Force conducted the exercise in recent days Cold Weather Ops 2026, aimed at maintaining the ability to operate in environments characterised by particularly harsh climatic conditions, which are also fundamental for activities such as scientific expeditions in Antarctica.
The crews of the C-130J aircraft operated from the airbase of Bardufoss, training on runways contaminated with ice and snow and simulating transport and air-drop missions in the Norwegian fjords. The sailing crew consisted of from pilots and loadmasters from the 2nd Flight Group, 50th Flight Group, and the International Training Centre; the contribution of maintenance and logistics specialists was also fundamental 46th Air Brigade, whose contribution ensured the smooth running of all flight activities.
The support provided by 131 Air Wing of the Norwegian Air Force, which provided logistical and operational assistance, as well as dedicated briefings on the characteristics of the local airspace, with particular attention to traffic procedures and low-level navigation.
The first phase of the activity involved personnel becoming familiar with the complex procedures for preserving, maintaining, starting up, and taxiing the aircraft in extreme cold conditions. The ground activity was followed by flights in the local traffic circuit, aimed at visual reference point recognition and safe integration into the operations of an unfamiliar base.
