What’s next for America’s icebreakers: 2026 preview
The White House in 2024 and 2025 prioritized rebuilding America's icebreaker fleet. But how long will that last?
Four shipyards across ICE Pact nations to jointly pursue US Arctic Security Cutter program
“Together, the four companies represent the world’s premier icebreaker shipbuilding companies,” the shipbuilders said in a joint statement.
presented by
Winning the cognitive domain — A methodology built for democratic constraints
The challenge for Western democratic institutions is not a lack of capability — it is a structural one.
The Weekly Break Out: Are cracks developing in the ICE Pact? [Video]
On episode 25 of The Weekly Break Out, editor Lee Ferran is joined by reporters Justin Katz and Carley Welch to talk icebreakers and a new drone directive.
‘What’s the signal?’: One year since ICE Pact, the agreement’s future remains unclear
Former President Joe Biden presented ICE Pact last year as a pathway to compete with Russian and Chinese icebreaker production. President Donald Trump has continued the effort, but with a twist.
GOP reconciliation bill includes over $9 billion for new icebreaker ships
The money is divided into two pots for the Coast Guard: $4.3 billion for the larger Polar Security Cutters and nearly $5 billion for medium-sized Arctic Security Cutters.
After Trump’s promise of 40 ‘big’ icebreakers, Coast Guard says it’ll take eight or nine for polar ops
While the Coast Guard has its eye on a smaller number of "big" icebreakers for high north operations, the service said it's looking to "replace, modernize and grow" its entire fleet, including many smaller vessels.
Satellites at the center: Inside the Pentagon’s next-gen space architecture
From emerging data networks to missile tracking and cyber resilience, Breaking Defense’s latest eBook brings together essential reporting on the evolving role of satellites in national security.
Australia, Canada should build out polar partnership
In light of Canada's recent purchase of JORN from Australia, Elizabeth Buchanan writes in this op-ed that the two nations should continue to foster a polar partnership.
Coast Guard awards nearly $1B contract mod to Bollinger for heavy icebreaker design, construction
The contract award comes as President Donald Trump has been publicly calling for the United States to buy dozens of new icebreakers.
The Navy’s never-ending quest for 355 ships: 5 Navy stories from 2024
Ship counts were clearly on the mind of US Navy officials this year as they made numerous plays to bolster the fleet in novel ways.
Coast Guard commandant praises ICE Pact’s potential, still needs icebreakers ‘now’
"There's a defense industrial base reality to this, certainly as it pertains to shipbuilding and shipyard capacity," Adm. Linda Fagan told Breaking Defense.
Amid high north race, Coast Guard to seek green light soon to start building first new icebreaker
The Polar Security Cutter has had numerous schedule and costs challenges as the first American icebreaker to be built in decades.
US, Canada, Finland ink joint MOU, latest step in high north-focused ICE Pact
The signing comes one week after Russia launched another one of its own icebreakers.
In new letter to White House, senators drill down for info on ICE Pact
The letter, signed by Sens. Chris Murphy, Cindy Hyde-Smith and Patty Murray, calls the new security agreement "critical" and warns of Chinese investments in high north capabilities."
Coast Guard’s newest icebreakers may jump 60 percent in cost: CBO
The Congressional Budget Office's report states the Coast Guard is working on its own new cost estimate for the heavy icebreaker program.