THE SUMMIT
The International Mountain Troops Summit (SITM) is the meeting place for armies from all over the world who operate in extreme conditions, in mountainous environments and in freezing temperatures. It will be held in Grenoble on 12 and 13 February 2025.
As geopolitical dynamics and the climate change, technologies are evolving to support the success of military operations around the challenges of complex logistics, restricted mobility, difficult communications and soldier protection. Armies have to think ahead when it comes to future combat in mountainous terrain and extreme-cold zones.
AMONG THE THEMES AT THE HEART OF DEBATE AT THIS FIRST EDITION
- Adapting to climate change
Climate change can have a significant impact on weather conditions in mountainous terrain or areas of extreme cold. Armies need to be prepared for extreme and unpredictable weather conditions, such as more frequent snowstorms or periods of accelerated glacier melt.
- Customised technologies and equipment
Armies need to invest in technologies and equipment specifically designed for operations in mountainous terrain. These include all-terrain vehicles, reconnaissance drones suited to mountain conditions, and communications and navigational equipment capable of operating in difficult environments.
- Logistics and supply management
Logistics and supply in mountainous terrain and areas of extreme cold are a major challenge. Armies will need to develop effective strategies for transporting supplies and equipment over rugged and often isolated terrain.
- Specialist training
Soldiers need specialist training to cope with the unique challenges of mountain combat. This includes skills in climbing, survival in hostile environments, and tactics tailored to mountain topography.
- Adapting to asymmetric threats
In addition to the traditional challenges posed by conventional armies, military forces must also be prepared to deal with asymmetric threats such as terrorism, guerrilla warfare and sabotage in mountainous terrain.
- International cooperation
As many mountainous regions cross several national borders, international cooperation is essential to ensure security and stability in these areas. Armies therefore need to develop the ability to collaborate and coordinate with other nations operating in similar mountainous regions.
Armies must continually adapt and innovate to meet future challenges in mountainous terrain and extreme cold zones, taking advantage of technological progress, specialised training and international cooperation to live, move, train, fight and endure in these hostile environments.