Battle For The Arctic: Russia Plans Nuke Icebreaker, US Counters China In Greenland
US official: "We can expect the rapidly changing Arctic system to create greater incentives for the Kremlin and the PRC to pursue agendas that clash with the interests of the United States."
By Paul McLeary on April 23, 2020 at 5:29 PM
WASHINGTON: Two Russian companies announced an agreement today to build the world’s most powerful nuclear icebreaker, the first step in a bold new Arctic strategy Moscow hopes will bring riches and drive open lucrative new shipping routes.
The deal was announced as Washington declared it is investing more money and diplomatic energy in Greenland to hold Chinese influence at bay. Meanwhile, two Chinese icebreakers returned home after a historic six-month deployment.
The Russian deal will see Atomflot, a subsidiary of Russian nuclear powerhouse Rosatom, and the Zvezda shipyard team up to build the first ship of a new Leader-class of nuclear icebreakers. The first ship is scheduled to be ready by 2027, adding a major new capability to the country’s existing 40 icebreakers. Moscow plans to build dozens more in coming years, including at least 13 heavy icebreakers, nine of which would be nuclear-powered, if plans laid out by Russian President Vladimir Putin hold steady.
https://breakingdefense.com/2020/04/battle-for-the-arctic-russia-plans-nuke-icebreaker-us-counters-china-in-greenland/
