The Vikings are here – and almost ready for action.

Thankfully these are not Norse raisers in their longboats, but the Royal Marines’ new all-terrain vehicles, now being delivered to Corps units.

The Viking armoured transporter – which got its name through a competition in Navy News – is capable of ferrying commandos into battle over just about any type of ground and in almost any weather.

It will be tested to the limit in the coming year as the Royals get to grips with their new piece of kit.

The MOD has ordered 108 of this ultimate off-roader from Alvis Hagglunds to serve with the RN’s elite ground force for at least the next two decades.

Trial versions of the vehicle have been tested in Oman and Norway, in which the Viking has shown itself capable of operating in temperatures ranging from -46C to +46C.

It can also ‘swim’ with some minor adjustments, making it ideal for amphibious operations.

Three different variants of Viking are being delivered to the Royal Marines – a standard troop transporter, a command vehicle and a repair and recovery model.

The troop version can carry 12 fully-equipped Royals into battle at speeds of up to 50mph on the roads.

The Viking is expected to be declared fully operational next year.

Defence Procurement Minister Lord Bach said: “The Royal Marines need a vehicle that can cope with a variety of terrain, provide protection from enemy fire and be easily transportable by air.”

“Viking stood out as the right solution.”