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Arctic: Shipping

Asked by Graeme DownieLabourMinistry of DefenceTabled Answered 16 December 2025UIN 97994

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what discussions he has had with Joint Expeditionary Force partners on shared ice cutter ship capability in the High North.

Answered by Al Carns

The Ministry of Defence recognises the increasing strategic importance of the region and continually assesses its capability requirements.

To deliver the vision of the Strategic Defence Review, we are developing options through the Defence Investment Plan for future Ice Patrol Ship capability. These options will consider requirements for both the Antarctic and the High North.

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