Strategic Importance of Icebreakers

Icebreakers are crucial for ensuring year-round access to the Arctic, enabling the projection of power, conducting scientific research, and facilitating marine environmental responses. Without sufficient icebreaker capability, national security interests in the region are compromised, particularly given the current U.S. fleet of only 1.5 operational icebreakers. The existing vessels, the medium-class Coast Guard Cutter Healy and the aging heavy icebreaker Polar Star, have not been replaced domestically in nearly five decades. This atrophy underscores the urgency of increasing the icebreaker fleet to maintain presence and capability in the strategic Arctic theater.