Watch British troops join a Nato exercise after Finland announced it would begin ramping up defence efforts in a bid to thwart the threat from Russia.
The troops from the 3 Rifles took part in the drill along the alliance's northern frontier with Russia, which is currently blanketed in snow.
Around 50 soldiers from the Edinburgh-based regiment underwent six weeks of intensive Arctic warfare preparation in Finland's far north, enduring temperatures plunging to as low as minus 28C.
The deployment comes as Finnish military forces look to boost their readiness for war after Russia's illegal invasion of Ukraine, just as militaries across Europe consider what the Kremlin's armed forces might do next.
The exercise took place in the Vuosanka forests, situated roughly 20 miles from Russian territory and 400 miles north of Helsinki.
The C Company personnel, usually accustomed to hot-weather exercises in Kenya and Morocco, mastered essential cold-climate techniques, including surviving icy water immersion and preventing frostbite injuries.
Training also included conquering combat manoeuvres in snowy terrain and firing weapons while on skis.
The British contingent subsequently joined Operation Northern Ax alongside 3,000 Finnish troops from the Kainuu Brigade, made up from a military concoction of conscripts, reservists and regular soldiers.
Training included conquering combat manoeuvres in snowy terrain and firing weapons while on skis
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Acting as reconnaissance specialists, the UK forces participated in an elaborate five-day simulated conflict running continuously through day and night.
Military commanders tracked troop movements in real time throughout the exercise, which tested defensive operations, delaying tactics, nocturnal combat and offensive manoeuvres.
Finland abandoned decades of neutrality when it became a Nato member in 2023, a decision that extended the alliance's northern border with Russia by more than 800 miles.
Finland has stark fears about the threat from Moscow, having secured independence from the European giant in 1917 and later fending off Soviet invaders during the Winter War of 1939-40.
Russian President Vladimir Putin, who this week rejected a Ukrainian peace deal, has also just threatened Europe with a major conflict.
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The troops endured extreme temperatures, down to as low as 28C
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Speaking on December 2, the Russian dictator said: "We are not planning to go to war with Europe, but if Europe wants to and starts, we are ready right now."
The country maintains compulsory military service for men, who subsequently serve as reservists until age 50.
This system means Finland's population of 5.5 million could mobilise a fighting force of 900,000 personnel if attacked.
Reservists undergo periodic refresher training, and conscription enjoys widespread public backing across all age groups.
The British soldiers came away impressed by their Finnish counterparts' expertise in harsh winter conditions and their serious approach to national defence.
Major Henry Wootton, commanding the company, said: "It is really impressive to see a country that is orientated for defence.
"They have a set-in-stone defence plan and everyone contributes to that with their conscript service when they are 18."
He described the Finns as natural "outdoorsmen and women" from whom his troops had gained valuable knowledge about adapting to the far more extreme environment.
Rifleman Aaron Hunter, 21, from Wakefield, said: "It's a big talking point for the Finns and they think it's a very high-level threat that could be around the corner who knows?"
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