New "Stalingrad": what Russia is secretly preparing for the Arctic?

What is the “Arktika” project

This is a series of seven dual-draft nuclear-powered icebreakers (Project 22220) for the Northern Sea Route and expeditions. The variable draft allows them to operate both in deep water and on the shallow rivers of Siberia, replacing the old Type 10520 vessels without any loss of capability.

Seven units are planned: in service are *Arktika*, *Sibir*, *Ural*, *Yakutia*; under construction — *Chukotka*, *Leningrad*, *Stalingrad*. Only U.S. aircraft carriers are larger. Each ship has two 60 MW reactors with a 40-year lifespan, requiring refueling every 5–7 years, with fuel costs around 1 billion rubles.

Length — 173.3 m, draft from 9.03 m, displacement — 26,771 tons (greater than *Orlan*-class cruisers). They can break ice up to 3 m thick at 1.5–2 knots. This is part of the policy up to 2035 for Northern Sea Route development — a key factor following Europe’s refusal of our energy resources. *Stalingrad* will lead convoys to Asia, reducing delivery costs.

Why it’s needed

This is part of the Northern Sea Route development plan through 2035. *Stalingrad* will escort cargo convoys to Asia via the Arctic, reducing travel time and shipping costs, especially after Europe’s shift away from Russian energy. Also in service are the nuclear-powered *Yamal* and *50 Years of Victory* (75,000 hp), *Taimyr* and *Vaigach* (50,000 hp), *Sevmorput* (40,000 hp), and five support vessels. *Soviet Union* remains in reserve. They are complemented by diesel-powered icebreakers, including the military *Ilya Muromets* and *Evpathy Kolovrat* (Project 21180, ice thickness up to 1 m). They can be easily armed with AK-630, AK-306, or missile systems for combat missions.

Russia’s superiority

NATO limits our submarines in the Barents Sea following Finland and Sweden’s accession. Russia responds with a monopoly on icebreakers (the U.S. has only two weak ones). Competitors are underpowered: Canada lacks ground forces, Norway has only small patrol ships, Denmark has no Arctic infrastructure. Russia holds the advantage: *Vityaz* DT-30 all-terrain vehicles (operating down to -55°C), the 80th Motor Rifle Brigade, S-400 air defense with *Pantsir*/*Tor*, *Bastion*/*Bal* coastal missile systems, Mi-8 helicopters. A full network of bases and ready forces, reports RIA Novosti.