The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has announced it will purchase new icebreaker ships from Finland.
In a joint appearance with President Donald Trump, DHS Secretary Kristi Noem said the deal is critical for protecting America’s interests in the Arctic.
Trump signed the deal with Finnish President Alexander Stubb and Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpp. The Memorandum of Understanding would see the U.S. Coast Guard purchase Arctic Security Cutters (ASCs) from Finland. Under the MOU, Finland will construct four ASCs for the U.S Coast Guard and U.S. shipyards will build and deliver up to seven additional vessels.
“America has been an arctic nation for over 150 years, and we’re finally acting like it under President Trump. Our adversaries continue to look to grow their presence in the arctic; equipping the Coast Guard with Arctic Security Cutters will help reassert American maritime dominance there,” Noem said. “Revitalizing the U.S. Coast Guard’s icebreaking capabilities is crucial for our security and prosperity, and today’s agreement is an important step in that direction.”
Officials said the ASCs will give the Coast Guard greater ability to navigate and patrol the frozen waters of the Arctic which will, in turn, allow them to keep trade routes open and secure U.S. borders and maritime approaches to the region.
“Under President Trump’s leadership, this historic agreement will not only accelerate delivery of new Arctic Security Cutters but will also spur future opportunities for domestic shipbuilding,” Adm. Kevin Lunday, Acting Commandant of the U.S. Coast Guard, said. “With a strong icebreaker fleet, the Coast Guard will protect America’s sovereignty and interests against global threats in the Arctic for decades to come.”
These critical new national security assets are funded by the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which includes $3.5 billion for the Coast Guard to procure Arctic Security Cutters.