Russia is considering trimming nearly 10 billion rubles from the three year plan for building new nuclear icebreakers. The information comes from a leading business daily, which cites the 2024-2026 draft budget. The proposed cut reflects a sharp rise in project costs, with serial icebreakers expected to see price increases. Specifically, funding for the leading heavy-duty icebreaker Leader, rated at 120 MW, could be reduced by more than five billion rubles, while the later serials of the Arctic class, rated at 60 MW, are also facing reductions. The fourth and subsequent units are projected to take smaller cuts but still suffer noticeable budget revisions, with figures ranging from hundreds of millions to more than a couple of billion rubles for each unit in the sequence. The overall trend signals a tightening of financial support as the cost base for these powerful vessels expands.
Earlier, the construction schedule for the Russian icebreaker Icebreaker-7 was adjusted, slipping by about four years due to sanctions and related supply chain pressures. The outcome underscores a broader pattern of project delays affecting critical polar infrastructure.
In late 2022 the Russian president called for strict adherence to timelines for the creation and commissioning of nuclear icebreakers, underscoring the strategic importance of Arctic capability for national interests and regional presence.
Several senior officials have also noted that the road to completing these advanced ships is hampered by persistent challenges in logistics and timely delivery of key components. The situation suggests that the reliable deployment of the fleet may depend as much on procurement and schedule discipline as on technical breakthroughs.
Meanwhile, officials have previously discussed protective materials used in the construction and operation of Russian icebreakers, highlighting the ongoing focus on safety and resilience in extreme Arctic environments.