What's New

Russia’s Project 22220, or ARKTIKA class of nuclear-propelled icebreakers took a step forward on November 6, when the fifth vessel of the planned class of seven, CHUKOTKA, was launched in St. Petersburg. Powered by two RITM-200 nuclear reactors producing 158,722 bhp powering three electric motors and associated propellers, the class is a formidable investment in Moscow’s Arctic capabilities. Planned for year-round service clearing ice to enable natural gas and other export shipping through the frigid Northern Sea Route, the 568-ft (173.3-m) ARKTIKA class will form the backbone of Russia’s icebreaking fleet.

First contracted by Russia’s state-owned nuclear energy firm, Rosatom in August 2012, the lead ship of the class, ARKTIKA wouldn’t come into service until October 2020. CHUKTOKA is planned for commissioning by 2026, with the entire class expected to be delivered by 2030.

The Piranha IV is the fourth generation of vehicles in the Piranha family, available in 6x6, 8x8 and 10x10 configurations. This variant features an upgraded 544-horsepower MTU engine providing an increased power-to-weight ratio. Its hydropneumatic suspension, ABS, and traction control enhance mobility on various terrains. Combat weight is up to 48,000 lbs (21,770 kg) with a 20,000 lbs (9,000 kg) payload and the vehicle is air transportable in C-130 aircraft.

The first Piranha IV prototype was completed in 2001 and a second in 2004. General Dynamics European Land Systems revealed its 10x10 Piranha Heavy Mission Carrier (HMC) variant of the family earlier this year.

Costa Rica’s LIBERTADOR class are three ex-U.S. ISLAND-class vessels donated as part of the Excess Defense Articles (EDA) program. These 110-ft (33.5-m) former Coast Guard ships have been repurposed to secure Costa Rican territorial waters and contribute to the fight against narco-trafficking in the region. Lightly armed but capable of 29-knot sprints with maximum ranges of 3,928 nm (7,275 km) at 10 knots, the class has greatly improved the country’s ability to patrol its waters.

First transferred in 2018, these ships have become some of the most capable in Costa Rica’s modest coast guard. In October, the U.S. Embassy to Costa Rica announced $1.8 million in funding for, among other projects, a refurbishment of the lead ship, LIBERTADOR JUAN RAFAEL MORA PORRAS.