President Donald J. Trump has authorized the construction of up to four Arctic Security Cutters (ASCs) in foreign shipyards, citing urgent national security needs in the Arctic region. The authorization comes through a Presidential Memorandum invoking authority under 14 U.S.C. 1151(b) and 10 U.S.C. 8679(b), which allows for foreign construction as a national security necessity.
The memorandum directs the U.S. Coast Guard to develop a phased plan for ASC construction that will support building future cutters domestically by bringing expertise onshore. As part of this initiative, President Trump has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Finland to build the initial four ASCs in Finnish shipyards, followed by plans to use Finnish expertise for constructing up to seven additional cutters in U.S.-based shipyards.
Both countries are expected to work closely together to expand the United States’ ASC fleet quickly and strengthen their respective shipbuilding industries.
The move is aimed at addressing what officials describe as growing strategic competition and increased military activity by foreign adversaries in the Arctic, which they say threaten American sovereignty, shipping routes, and energy resources. Currently, the Coast Guard operates only two ASCs—one commissioned in 1976 and another recently converted from commercial service—while assessments indicate at least nine are needed for year-round operations.
According to the White House statement, “Foreign construction of ASCs is a temporary measure to bridge a critical capability gap while spurring future domestic shipbuilding investment that will ensure the Coast Guard has the full supply of cutters it requires.” The agreement with Finnish shipyards is also projected to generate jobs in both countries and bring advanced shipbuilding technology to the United States.
President Trump emphasized his administration’s commitment: “We need icebreakers in the U.S. And if we can get some inexpensively, I’d like to do that.”
Earlier actions included signing an order during his first term aimed at accelerating icebreaker procurement for the Coast Guard. In August, an ASC was added to its fleet—the first such addition in 25 years—with more planned as part of ongoing efforts supported by nearly $9 billion allocated through recent legislation.
The administration describes these efforts as restoring America’s status as an Arctic power after years of limited investment in polar capabilities.