Naval News asked the U.S. Coast Guard for more information on the U.S. Coast Guard’s newest Arctic icebreaker, Storis’s SH Defence CubeTM Mission Modules. Exactly what kind of CubeTM Mission Modules were ordered, how many, and for what purposes?
In early September 2025, Naval News asked the U.S. Coast Guard’s (USCG) Public Affairs for more information on this Naval News story about SH Defence’s CubeTM Mission Modules and CubeTM System RemoteOperated Twistlocks for integration into the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Storis, the newest commissioned U.S. Arctic icebreaker.
A USCG spokesperson replied with the following information:
Naval News: What was the genesis of this Mission Module idea and who created it within the USCG?
USCG: The Coast Guard is obtaining the SH Defence Cubes through a program managed by the Department of War’s Office of the Under Secretary for War for Research and Engineering (OUSD-R&E). The U.S. Air Force executed the contract on September 2, 2025, using unique contracting authority provided through a program, known as Foreign Comparative Testing (FCT).
Additional information on the FCT program can be found here: Foreign Comparative Testing – ASW(MC)
Naval News: Why was SH Defense selected? What did SH Defense do to appeal to the USCG?
USCG: Non-permanent mission modules have been identified as a potential strategy for quickly tailoring Coast Guard vessels to a wide variety of mission needs. This concept aligns with the principles and goals of the Coast Guard’s Force Design 2028 efforts to innovate and swiftly deliver mission capability where it’s needed.
Naval News: What kind of SH Defense CubeTM Mission Modules is the USCG interested in? Will any of the CubeTM Mission Modules contain armaments, drones, fuel, compact boats, offices, or scientific equipment? Please describe them and their functions and why.
USCG: The Cubes ordered by the Coast Guard will be used for shipboard berthing and armory spaces. When delivered, the Cubes will be outfitted at the pier and then installed aboard Storis as needed, depending on mission requirements or other factors, using hydraulic twist-locks to secure them to the deck. [Author’s note: shipboard berthing can be defined as “the entire process of maneuvering and securing a vessel to a designated location, called a berth, within a port or harbor for activities like cargo handling or passenger transfers.” The USCGC Storis will have four .50cal M2HB heavy machine guns on crew-served mounts, and a modular armory for ammunition storage and a pyrotechnics locker (provided by an SH Defence’s CubeTM). Storis is not fitted with any autocannons].
Naval News: How would the Cube Mission Modules work?
USCG: More information about the Cube system can be found at the SH Defence website:
The Cube – SH Defence
Naval News: What kind of work does this SH Defense contract entail for both SH Defense and the USCG?
USCG: SH Defense is contracted to deliver three cubes to Seattle, Washington, Storis’ temporary homeport, by the third quarter of fiscal year 2026.
Naval News: How many Cube Mission Modules do the USCG plan to purchase, and are they only for the USCGC Storis?
USCG: The Coast Guard is acquiring three Cubes for use only on Storis.
Naval News: Will the entire cargo deck of Storis be retrofitted for CubeTM Mission Modules?
USCG: The Coast Guard is still determining the best shipboard locations and how many twist lock systems to install.
Naval News: Any other news on the USCG Storis? What are the next plans for the “new” Arctic icebreaker?
USCG: Looking ahead, USCGC Storis is a key asset in advancing U.S. strategic objectives, strengthening partnerships with Arctic allies, and maintaining a persistent and capable presence in this critical region. The Storis plays a critical role in providing near-term operational presence in the Arctic. As a medium polar icebreaker, Storis supports a wide range of Coast Guard missions, including search and rescue, environmental response, law enforcement, and ensuring the safe passage of vessels in the region’s increasingly navigable waters.
Naval News also contacted the U.S. Navy’s Chief of Information Office (CHINFO) to see if the U.S. Navy is interested in acquiring Cubes of their own. CHINFO replied that they don’t have any CubeTM (acquisition) information as of mid-September 2025.
