The icebreaker-class patrol ship Project 23550 Ivan Papanin has completed sea trials and has been officially commissioned into the Russian Navy. This is the first of four icebreakers of this class, with the other three already in various stages of construction, according to The National Interest.

Unlike the Polar Security Cutter icebreakers for the US Coast Guard, which may not be operational until the end of the decade, Project 23550 ships will be multi-purpose, combining the capabilities of an Arctic patrol ship, a tugboat, and an icebreaker.

Moreover, the Ivan Papanin is equipped with weapons that allow it to combat enemy ships, and it also has a platform for combat helicopters.

Ivan Papanin is a renowned Soviet polar explorer and a former sailor in the Russian Imperial Navy. He was twice awarded the title of Hero of the Soviet Union and received nine Orders of Lenin.

“CRYSTAL GROWTH” previously reported on Alexander Galushka’s opinion that the Northern Sea Route is a historic project of Russia’s state-building in the 21st century. Additionally, it was reported that according to the American Business Insider, Russia and China are forcing the United States to increase its military presence in the Arctic.