The Italian Air Force training in Norway on icy runways and in extreme temperatures

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Ice, snow and temperatures as low as –25°C. It was in this extreme environment that the Italian Air Force conducted the Cold Weather Ops 2026 exercise in recent days, aimed at maintaining the capability to operate in environments characterized by particularly harsh climatic conditions—capabilities that are also essential for activities such as scientific expeditions to Antarctica.

C-130J aircraft crews operated from Bardufoss Air Base, training on runways contaminated by ice and snow and simulating transport and airdrop missions among the Norwegian fjords.

The first phase of the activity focused on familiarizing personnel with the complex procedures for aircraft preservation, maintenance, engine start-up and taxiing in extreme cold conditions. Ground activities were followed by flights in the local traffic circuit, aimed at visual reporting point recognition and the safe integration into operations at an unfamiliar air base.