On Thursday, U.S. President Donald J. Trump and Finnish President Alexander Stubb signed a memorandum of understanding at the White House to acquire eleven new icebreaking vessels for the U.S. Coast Guard. Under the $6.1 billion agreement, Finnish companies will construct four “Arctic Security Cutters” in Finland, while the U.S. will utilize Finnish expertise to build up to seven icebreakers at Davie Shipyards in Galveston, Texas, and Bollinger Shipyards in Houma, Louisiana. The initiative aims to strengthen U.S. and NATO security in the Arctic, countering Russia and China’s growing efforts to exploit the region for shipping and military purposes. The first icebreaker is slated to enter service in 2028.