The Russian Navy has received a new and potent addition – the patrol icebreaker Ivan Papanin. What makes the ship so special? Military analyst and retired Russian Navy captain Vasily Dandykin explains.
Jack of all Trades
The Ivan Papanin combines the capabilities of an icebreaker, a tug and a patrol vessel that can carry out combat and rescue missions. She can plough through polar ice up to 1.7m thick and engage both airborne and seaborne targets.
Russia launches ‘Combat Icebreaker’ and Patrol Boat to defend Arctic region
Ice-breaking lifeline
Ships like the Ivan Papanin will increase Russia’s ability to reinforce and resupply remote polar military outposts that guard the country’s Arctic reaches, without the need to employ nuclear-powered icebreakers.
Superior firepower
The ship is equipped with a main gun and anti-air missile systems. She carries a Ka-27 helicopter and can transport amphibious and attack hovercraft. She could also potentially be fitted with Kalibr cruise missile launchers.
Polar protector
The Ivan Papanin and her future sister-ships will further enhance Russia’s ability to project power in the Arctic and to guard the country’s northern borders.
Sputnik / ABC Flash Point News 2025.
No chance left for other Nordic countries to keep up with the Russian Bear.
Not even Donald can keep up it will take a long while to build 40 icebreakers in the USA and he is leveraging sanctions on Canada,don’t know why considering the number of US companies in Canada.