Mar 18 • 14:25 UTC 🇫🇮 Finland Yle Uutiset

Arctic soldiers must learn to sleep in snowdrifts, as tent stoves are vulnerable to drone attacks

A French intelligence soldier discusses the challenges of sleeping in extreme cold without stoves due to threats from drone surveillance during NATO exercises in Finland.

During NATO's Cold Response exercise in Central Lapland, soldiers like the French intelligence officer, known as 'Vince', are adapting to the harsh realities of modern warfare, particularly the threat posed by drones. With the use of heaters prohibited to avoid detection by drone thermal cameras, soldiers have to rely on unconventional methods to stay warm and hidden. This adaptation is vital as drone technology revolutionizes ground warfare, making concealment from aerial threats increasingly critical.

The exercise taking place in Rovajärvi focuses on several key aspects, including camouflage of tents and equipment, concealment of command posts, and minimizing radio communications to reduce vulnerability. Colonel Marko Kivelä, leading the exercise, emphasizes the importance of hiding heat signatures, which sometimes requires soldiers to sleep under space blankets to remain undetected. The integration of drone technology into military training highlights the evolving landscape of combat, wherein traditional strategies are being reevaluated to counter new technologies.

As soldiers prepare for live exercises in Finland's rugged terrain, the overall atmosphere underscores the intensity of modern military readiness. The challenges posed by the cold climate and drone surveillance illustrate the need for adaptation and innovation in training approaches. The emphasis on stealth and unconventional techniques not only prepares the troops for potential real-world conflicts but also reflects the ongoing evolution of military tactics in the face of technological advancements.

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