U.S. Department of Homeland Security
05/13/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 05/13/2026 13:11
Coast Guard Finalizes Contract for Five New Arctic Security Cutters
WASHINGTON - The United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) issued the following statement after the U.S. Coast Guard finalized a $3.5 billion contract for the construction and delivery of five Arctic Security Cutters (ASCs), a brand new class of polar icebreaker vessels that will strengthen America's position in the Arctic.
The contract was awarded to Davie Defense. This is the first of three contracts for the construction of the new ASC class, with two remaining contracts set to be finalized by the Coast Guard soon. The first vessel under this contract is scheduled to be delivered in 2028, and all five vessels will be delivered by February of 2035.
The Coast Guard's contract with Davie Defense was initially awarded in early February, and was the third ASC contract awarded. These initial contract awards allowed shipbuilders to begin planning while all final details were negotiated. The finalized contract with Davie Defense announced today is the first of those three ASC contracts for which terms were fully defined. The Coast Guard plans to finalize the two remaining contracts soon.
"Finalizing this contract represents decisive action to guarantee American security in the Arctic," said Admiral Kevin E. Lunday, commandant of the Coast Guard. "The Arctic Security Cutters will deliver the essential capability to uphold U.S. sovereignty against adversaries' aggressive economic and military actions in the Arctic. These cutters will ensure the Coast Guard's ability to control, secure, and defend our northern border and maritime approaches."
Using the $25 billion provided by the historic Fiscal Year 2025 budget reconciliation, the Coast Guard has already ordered over $13 billion in new fleet assets and capabilities. This rapid investment demonstrates the Coast Guard's commitment to modernizing acquisition, delivering next-generation technology, and revitalizing American shipbuilding.
The ASC program will fulfill President Donald J. Trump's promise to expand the nation's Arctic fleet by delivering 11 Arctic Security Cutters. The program will also bring Arctic shipbuilding expertise back to the United States, strengthening long-term industrial capability and workforce development at American shipyard
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