US Coast Guard awaits $350 million to acquire icebreakers
The Cutter Polar Star was commissioned in the 1970s and has been in operation for more than 30 years. (Photo: US Coast Guard)
The service has declared its intention to purchase an existing commercially available polar vessel, a new Great Lakes icebreaker and Polar Security Cutters.
Keen to improve its polar capabilities, the US Coast Guard has been waiting for a decision from the US Congress regarding the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) budget proposal for FY2024. The service has requested US$350 million to acquire icebreakers.
The request comprised $125 million to cover the purchase of an existing commercially available polar vessel (CAPI) and $55 million as initial procurement funding for a new Great Lakes icebreaker (GLIB) with similar features to the in-service Mackinaw heavy vessel.
Another $170 million was requested to enable the branch to progress with the Polar Security Cutter (PSC) programme, which comprises
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
-
![SAHA 2026: Aselsan seeks to replicate Turkey’s UAV success at sea]()
SAHA 2026: Aselsan seeks to replicate Turkey’s UAV success at sea
Turkey’s defence electronics company has unveiled two new uncrewed naval systems at SAHA 2026 – but the harder test will be converting it into an export success.
-
![Brazil’s naval ambitions now firmly anchored in Europe]()
Brazil’s naval ambitions now firmly anchored in Europe
With the Tamandaré frigate commissioned and a second batch under negotiation, Brazil is leveraging European partnerships to position itself as South America’s premier maritime power without surrendering industrial sovereignty.
-
![HHI poised to start submarine production in Peru pending election outcome]()
HHI poised to start submarine production in Peru pending election outcome
South Korea’s HD Hyundai Heavy Industries confirmed to Shephard that the company is awaiting the Peruvian government’s decision to allow it to move forward with the production of the HDS-1500 submarine.
