In a significant move to bolster Arctic security, the United States and Finland have signed a landmark agreement to construct a fleet of 11 icebreakers, aimed at addressing the increasing competition in the polar region, particularly from Russia and China. President Trump hosted Finnish President Stubb at the White House to discuss the collaboration, which will see Finland providing four icebreakers while the US will construct seven more at shipyards in Texas and Louisiana. This $6 billion deal is viewed as pivotal for enhancing US capabilities in the Arctic and marks a deepening of ties between the two nations, with Trump also emphasizing a commitment to defend Finland against any potential threats. The initiative is expected to significantly reduce the current gap in icebreaker capabilities as the US seeks to strengthen its presence and security measures in the Arctic.