Written question asked by Ben Obese-Jecty (Conservative) on Wednesday, 25 June 2025, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 30 June 2025. It was answered by Luke Pollard (Labour) on Thursday, 3 July 2025 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

HMS Protector: Atlantic Ocean

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether she is taking steps to procure an icebreaker ship to complement HMS Protector for future operations in the Atlantic Bastion.

Answer: As highlighted in the Strategic Defence Review, Atlantic Bastion is the Royal Navy’s plan to secure the North Atlantic for the UK and NATO against the persistent and growing underwater threat from a modernising Russian submarine force. While an icebreaking capability does not form part of the Atlantic Bastion plan, the UK recognises the increasing strategic importance of the Arctic and High North. As such, future icebreaker capabilities are being considered to deliver the Strategic Defence Review vision, with all capability requirements considered as part of the Defence Investment Plan, which will be completed in autumn 2025.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 62858
Session: 2024-26
Related items: HMS Protector: Atlantic Ocean
Friday, 11 July 2025
Written questions
House of Commons
Subjects: Atlantic Ocean HMS Protector
Link: View this Written question on www.parliament.uk