US Coast Guard prepares acquisition process of up to seven light icebreakers
A USCG Buoy Stern Loading boat breaks ice in Maryland in January 2026. (Photo: US Coast Guard)
The USCG plans to award a contract this year for the construction of Homeland Security Cutters. The new vessels will replace the 60-plus-year-old fleet of Light Icebreaking Tugs.
The US Coast Guard (USCG) has released a Request for Information (RfI) to support the future acquisition of up to seven vessels as part of the Homeland Security Cutter – Light Icebreaker (HSC-L) programme. Responses to the sources sought notice are due on 10 April.
According to the notice, the branch anticipates a potential contract award in late 2026. Although it has not disclosed details about the total cost estimate for the procurement of the platforms, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act allocated $816 million for the purchase of light and medium icebreaking cutters.
The future platforms will substitute the
Our news & analysis is now part of Defence Insight®
A Basic-level or higher Defence Insight subscription is now required to view this content.
More from Naval Warfare
-
![Suppliers await next step in Australia’s mine warfare transition]()
Suppliers await next step in Australia’s mine warfare transition
Australia’s mine countermeasure capability remains in flux as the Huon-class nears retirement, but accelerated investment in autonomous systems is opening a path for industry.
-
![Can the US Navy ask Indo-Pacific allies to do more while training with them less?]()
Can the US Navy ask Indo-Pacific allies to do more while training with them less?
As the Iran War draws US ships and marine corps units away from the Indo-Pacific, curtailed exercises and a temporary carrier gap are exposing tensions between Washington’s demand for more self-reliant allies and the joint training needed to realise that ambition.
-
![How could Rheinmetall’s GMF 140 fit with ongoing programmes in North America?]()
How could Rheinmetall’s GMF 140 fit with ongoing programmes in North America?
With Canada committed to its River-class replacement and the USN pursuing a lower-cost frigate, Rheinmetall will need to demonstrate where the GMF 140 can fill a capability gap in the North American fleet.
-
![Australian industry programme builds pipeline for Virginia-class sustainment]()
Australian industry programme builds pipeline for Virginia-class sustainment
Australian businesses can now bid to support Virginia-class submarine sustainment in Western Australia, as momentum around the Henderson Defence Precinct also builds.
