US Coast Guard Orders Five Arctic Security Cutters From Davie Defense
•February 11, 2026
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Why It Matters
The cutters will expand the Coast Guard’s icebreaking fleet, enhancing U.S. presence and security in the strategically vital Arctic.
Key Takeaways
- •Davie Defense awarded contract for five Arctic security cutters
- •First two cutters built in Finland, delivery slated 2028
- •Remaining three will be constructed in Texas shipyards
- •Program aims for up to eleven cutters under presidential memorandum
- •Knowledge transfer from Helsinki to U.S. boosts domestic capability
Pulse Analysis
The Arctic is rapidly emerging as a geopolitical flashpoint, with melting sea ice opening new shipping lanes and resource opportunities. For years, the United States has relied on an aging fleet of icebreakers, limiting its ability to project power and conduct search‑and‑rescue missions. The decision to procure Arctic Security Cutters marks a decisive shift toward modernizing the Coast Guard’s polar capabilities, aligning with the 2022 presidential memorandum that calls for a robust, domestically sourced icebreaking force. These vessels will enable sustained operations in extreme conditions, supporting national security, scientific research, and commercial navigation.
Davie Defense’s award reflects a strategic blend of American manufacturing and Finnish engineering. By building the first two cutters at Helsinki Shipyard, the program taps into a proven platform that already powers seven icebreakers in service, accelerating the 2028 delivery target. Simultaneously, the knowledge‑transfer arrangement equips Davie’s Galveston and Port Arthur yards with the specialized skills needed for the remaining three hulls, fostering a domestic supply chain for future Arctic vessels. This collaborative model reduces reliance on foreign shipyards while preserving critical expertise within the United States.
The contract has ripple effects across the defense industrial base, signaling increased demand for cold‑weather hull designs, advanced propulsion systems, and resilient onboard electronics. Shipyards that adapt to these requirements stand to capture a share of subsequent orders, potentially expanding the authorized total to eleven cutters. Moreover, a modern icebreaking fleet strengthens the United States’ negotiating position in Arctic governance forums and deters rival powers from monopolizing emerging routes. As the program progresses, its success will be a benchmark for large‑scale, dual‑nation shipbuilding initiatives.
US Coast Guard orders five Arctic security cutters from Davie Defense
Davie Defense has been awarded a contract from the United States Coast Guard (USCG) to build five Arctic security cutters (ASCs), a new class of polar icebreaker critical to increasing the US presence in the Arctic.
Credit: Davie Defense
The ASC is a new class of polar icebreakers designed to conduct US Coast Guard missions in the world’s most challenging maritime environments. The vessel will provide the coast guard with a modern icebreaking fleet to support national security, maritime safety, and polar access.
As part of a program authorizing up to eleven ASCs under the Presidential Memorandum “Construction of Arctic Security Cutters,” the first two vessels will be built in Finland at Davie Defense’s sister company, Helsinki Shipyard.
Constructing the initial ships in Finland will help the US Coast Guard meet its accelerated timeline, with the first ASC scheduled for delivery in 2028.
During this phase, American shipbuilders will work alongside Helsinki’s experienced icebreaker specialists. The knowledge transfer is expected to support the efficient construction of the remaining three ASCs in the United States at Davie’s shipyards in Galveston and Port Arthur, Texas.
“We’re deeply honored by this vote of confidence. We can’t wait to get started on delivering mission-ready cutters to our valued U.S. Coast Guard partner. By anchoring construction in Texas, while drawing on Helsinki Shipyard’s proven icebreaker expertise, we can deliver the ASCs to meet the Coast Guard’s operational needs in the world’s harshest environments,” Kai Skvarla, Chief Executive Officer, Davie Defense, said.
“This contract underscores our role as a trusted Arctic shipbuilding partner to the U.S. Coast Guard. As strategic competition in the Arctic accelerates, we are fully committed to delivering world-class icebreakers capable of enabling sustained operations,” James Davies, Co-Founder, INOCEA Group, said.
Davie’s ASC design is based on a platform with seven previous variants delivered from Helsinki Shipyard. These variants are all in service today. Further details regarding program milestones will be announced in coordination with the USCG, the company highlighted.
The post US Coast Guard orders five Arctic security cutters from Davie Defense appeared first on Naval Today.
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