Operation Zina saw thirty-three Vikings complete a 10-hour combat move into Helmand province from their base in Kandahar airfield. During the journey Royal Navy Harriers provided force protection and helped clear the route ahead of the convoy, which was also supported by armoured fighting vehicles from Denmark and Estonia.
See Related Links>>> to watch the Viking convoy make its way from Kandahar to Camp Bastion.
The route included notorious areas of Kandahar City and Gereshk and despite some heavy surveillance from suspected Taliban the journey was completed without incident.
Vikings are armoured all terrain vehicles able to operate anywhere in the world in temperatures ranging from -46c to +49c. They are crewed by two men who act as driver and gunner and are armed with a General Purpose Machine Gun among other weapon systems.
Being able to operate over deep sand and boulder fields, the Vikings have the mobility to operate anywhere in Helmand province and can carry a section of Royal Marines into battle, offering significant protection to their passengers and crew.
The operation was led by Major Jes Hermer Royal Marines, Officer Commanding the Royal Marines Armoured Support Squadron based in Bovington, Dorset. He said:
"We first started working on the Viking project six years ago and have gone through lots of tests and adjusts.
"This convoy is the result of all that hard work. The operation has been a great success against a significant threat from Improvised Explosive Devices and snipers. I am very proud of the way my men have performed."
The Vikings are now patrolling throughout Helmand province and their ability to go anywhere at speed will be a tremendous asset to the Royal Marines.