
Screenshot via video: Meeting on Oct. 9 between US president Donald Trump and Finnish President Alexander Stubb
The US and Finland agreed to a deal that would see Washington acquire 11 icebreakers to kickstart the expansion of the American fleet as great-power rivalry is heating up in the Arctic.
A memorandum of understanding signed by the US president Donald Trump and his Finnish counterpart Alexander Stubb during their meeting in Washington on October 9 will see Finnish shipyards build four icebreakers, with the first set to be delivered in 2028.
Seven more would then be built in the US with assistance from Finland, one of the world’s leading producers of the ships.
As stated, the US is procuring 11 new icebreakers for its Coast Guard, four of which are planned to be constructed in Finland.
“We are having a big order coming up. We are buying icebreakers, and we are building them together for the most part. We are doing four over there and seven over here. We negotiated a pretty tough price, I think,” Trump said as he announced the pact at the White House.
The US is buying the icebreakers from Finland at a time when Russia’s influence in the region is growing. The push to increase the US’ presence in the Arctic has been top of mind for years, particularly as Russia has turned its attention to the region.
Russia, according to officials, has a fleet of 40 icebreakers, with additional vessels under construction.
“We have only one icebreaker and other countries have more than we do. And we are buying the finest icebreakers in the world and Finland is known for making them. So, they have almost a monopoly in Finland in icebreakers, no one is making icebreakers like Finland. I’ve heard that for a long time. We need these ships very badly,” Trump highlighted during the meeting.
This is the culmination of long-term efforts, and the first time the United States is building icebreakers in another country, according to Finnish officials.
Currently, the Coast Guard’s operational polar fleet includes just two operational Arctic Security Cutters (ASCs). One was commissioned in 1976; the other was previously a commercial vessel and commissioned into the Coast Guard just last month. According to a White House announcement, the Coast Guard assesses that at least 9 ASCs are needed in order to serve the national security needs year-round in the Arctic.
The US president has forged a good working relationship with his Finnish counterpart since returning to the White House in January.
“What you’re doing is you’re going to be teaching us about the icebreaker business,” Trump said when reporters were invited for a segment of the White House meeting. “By the time we finish, we’re going to make them maybe better than you, but at least as well, but probably not better, but at least as well.”
Stubbs noted during the meeting that Trump had raised the issue of icebreakers when they first talked months ago.
“We are basically building 11 icebreakers together. Four of them in Finland and seven here. I remember the first conversation we had, you know, you mentioned the fact that Russia has 40 and you need to start ramping this up,” he said. “And this is an indication that we’re going to do it and we’re going to do it together.”
“This is great news. Our shipyards build the world’s best icebreakers and largest cruise ships. We also have an extensive subcontractor and partner network that together make a unique package,” said from his side the Finnish minister of economic affairs Sakari Puisto.
Prime Minister Orpo and I met with President Trump, Vice President Vance, Secretary of State Rubio, and Secretary of War Hegseth in the Oval Office.
— Alexander Stubb (@alexstubb) October 9, 2025
Today was a good day for Finland.
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Tapasimme pääministeri Orpon kanssa presidentti Trumpin, varapresidentti Vancen,… pic.twitter.com/s8zqHVwV2w