US senators raise Russian concerns over unprepared Coast Guard fleet
Polar Star heavy icebreaker was commissioned in 1976 and has been in service for nearly five decades. (Photo: US Coast Guard)
US Congress senators have warned that the US Coast Guard’s fleet cannot protect Arctic waters against Russian naval capabilities.
US lawmakers have expressed concern regarding the US Coast Guard’s (USCG) small and ageing polar inventory and how it could impact the protection of the US Arctic territorial waters. Senators have raised the alarm on the branch’s naval capabilities arguing that it would not succeed against the Kremlin’s fleet.
The service currently operates two icebreakers – Polar Star and Healy – the only branch vessels capable of operating in extreme cold temperatures. Serving predominantly the McMurdo Station in Antarctica, the Polar Star heavy icebreaker was commissioned in 1976 and has remained in operation far beyond its expected service life.
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Naval Warfare
-
![Anduril Australia shows first Ghost Shark for RAN at factory opening]()
Anduril Australia shows first Ghost Shark for RAN at factory opening
The new underwater vehicle has been described as an “important deterrent” thanks to its ability to operate undetected for extended periods of time.
-
![US Navy extends the deadline for submitting proposals for the Next Generation Logistics Ship]()
US Navy extends the deadline for submitting proposals for the Next Generation Logistics Ship
NAVSEA plans to select up to three suppliers for the concept design phase of the programme in Q2 FY2026.
-
![Advances in USV technology help develop tomorrow’s hybrid fleet]()
Advances in USV technology help develop tomorrow’s hybrid fleet
As services like the Royal Navy and US Navy aim to develop hybrid fleets to reduce reliance on and dangers to crewed vessels, L3Harris, Metal Shark and Red Cat step forward.
-
![South Korea displays domestic technology capabilities with KSS-III submarine launch]()
South Korea displays domestic technology capabilities with KSS-III submarine launch
Hanwha Ocean’s Jang Yeong-sil is the Republic of Korea Navy’s first 3,600t submarine and is the first of three boats in the military’s KSS-III programme.
