The US Coast Guard (USCG) has finalized a $3.5 billion contract for the construction and delivery of five Arctic security cutters (ASCs).
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 US 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 2035.
The US 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 now is the first of those three ASC contracts for which terms were fully defined.
The service plans to finalize the two remaining contracts soon, it was noted.
“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.”
The ASC program will see the delivery of eleven vessels to strengthen America’s position in the Arctic.