US, Finland Sign Deal to Build 11 Icebreakers to Boost Arctic Capabilities

Washington DC [US], October 10 : The United States and Finland have signed a landmark agreement to jointly build 11 icebreakers — four in Finland and seven in the United States — as both nations step up efforts to strengthen their presence in the Arctic region amid rising temperatures and increasing geopolitical competition.

The deal, announced brings together Finnish companies with renowned expertise in Arctic engineering and the United States Coast Guard. The initiative marks a significant expansion of U.S.–Finland defense and industrial cooperation in polar infrastructure.

Finnish President Alexander Stubb highlighted the growing strategic importance of the Arctic and said the collaboration would bring mutual benefits. “Finland and Europe are eager to continue dialogue with the United States and support global stability, including assistance to Ukraine,” he said.

The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Helsinki and Washington was signed during the visit of the Finnish President and Prime Minister to the White House. During the meeting, U.S. President Donald Trump confirmed the agreement, stating, “We have a big order coming up; we are buying icebreakers.”

Recalling their earlier discussions, President Stubb added, “I remember our first conversation just after your election in November — the first thing you mentioned was icebreakers. We’ve been working on this issue ever since, and now we’re happy to announce this joint effort.”

The construction of the icebreakers is expected to enhance both nations’ capabilities for navigation, research, and security operations in the rapidly warming Arctic Circle, a region of increasing global interest due to melting ice and emerging trade routes.