Key Takeaways:
- Rebuilding Arctic Strength: President Trump authorized construction of up to four Arctic Security Cutters (ASCs) in Finland to jumpstart America’s icebreaker fleet, with future ships to be built in U.S. shipyards.
- Defending U.S. Sovereignty: The move counters aggressive military and economic expansion by foreign adversaries in the Arctic, protecting American shipping lanes, resources, and national security.
- Economic Boost at Home: The partnership will create thousands of American jobs, transfer advanced shipbuilding expertise to the U.S., and deliver billions in new investment as Trump restores America’s leadership as a great Arctic power.
President Donald J. Trump is putting America back in command of the Arctic. In a bold move to strengthen national security and rebuild America’s icebreaking capabilities, the president has signed a Presidential Memorandum authorizing the construction of up to four new Arctic Security Cutters (ASCs) — starting in Finland, and later transitioning to U.S. shipyards.
Citing urgent national security needs, Trump invoked his authority under federal law to permit foreign construction as a temporary measure to close the Coast Guard’s capability gap. The U.S. currently operates only two Arctic-capable cutters — one built in 1976 and another converted from commercial use just last month. According to the Coast Guard, at least nine are needed to safeguard American interests year-round.
Under a new memorandum of understanding with Finland, four ASCs will be built overseas, with Finnish expertise then transferred to the U.S. for the construction of up to seven additional cutters. The partnership will revitalize shipbuilding in both nations, create thousands of American jobs, and inject billions of dollars into the economy.
“These ships, most of which will eventually be made in America, will be among the most modern icebreaking vessels in the world,” the White House said.
President Trump’s “One Big Beautiful Bill” allocates nearly $9 billion for new ASCs, ensuring the U.S. can protect shipping lanes, energy reserves, and Arctic sovereignty from foreign adversaries.
As Trump put it plainly: “We need icebreakers in the U.S. And if we can get some inexpensively, I’d like to do that.” America is once again breaking the ice — and leading the way.