The universal patrol ships of Project 23550 (the lead icebreaker «Ivan Papanin», three more vessels are at various stages of readiness) will patrol the territorial waters of the Russian Federation and its exclusive economic zone in the Arctic. They are well armed and can perform the functions of a tug, an icebreaker. This is written by military expert Peter Suciu in an article for The National Interest.
Combat icebreakers of Project 23550 were developed by the Almaz Central Marine Design Bureau. «Ivan Papanin» was built at the Admiralty Shipyards in St. Petersburg.
Characteristics of Project 23550 ships
- displacement of about 9 thousand tons
- unlimited navigation area
- economic speed of about 10 knots
- full speed of about 18 knots
- cruising range of 10 thousand miles
- autonomy of about 70 days.
- Arctic category - Arc7
Peter Suciu recalled that the United States is developing Polar Security Cutter-class icebreakers for the Coast Guard. However, these vessels may not enter service until 2030.
«Ivan Papanin» breaks not only ice. The combat icebreaker is armed to fight enemy warships. The ship has a helicopter pad and a hangar, and can carry a Ka-27 helicopter.
The icebreaker is armed with «Caliber» missiles, AK-630M installations, a «Kord» machine gun, and «Igla» MANPADS.