Trump acknowledges US is behind Russia in icebreaker capabilities

(MENAFN) President Donald Trump has acknowledged that the United States is significantly behind Russia in icebreaker capabilities, noting that the U.S. operates only one vessel compared to Moscow’s dozens, according to reports. Icebreakers are specialized ships designed to navigate ice-covered waters, enabling access to regions such as the Arctic.

“You know, we only have one in the whole country,” Trump said during a call with military personnel on Thursday. “Russia has 48, and we have one, and that’s just ridiculous.”

Trump indicated that the U.S. is working to close the gap by collaborating with Finland to build 11 new icebreakers. “We’re doing them in conjunction with Finland and some other people, and they make… 90% of the icebreakers, so they have great expertise,” he said, without specifying who the “other people” were. He added that the vessels are expected to be delivered “very soon” and that he plans to order an additional 11 afterward.

The plan to acquire 11 Finnish-built icebreakers was first announced in October during a meeting with Finnish President Alexander Stubb. The agreement, reportedly worth $6.1 billion, is designed to strengthen the U.S. presence in the Arctic and “reassert US maritime dominance,” with the first delivery scheduled for 2028.

Globally, Russia maintains the largest icebreaker fleet, operating more than 60 icebreakers and ice-capable ships that support Arctic development and maintain navigation along the Northern Sea Route. In March, Russian President Vladimir Putin described the Arctic as a region of “enormous potential” for trade and development. Russia is also the only country with multiple nuclear-powered heavy icebreakers, including the Project 22220 class, which can break through ice up to three meters thick.

MENAFN30112025000045017281ID1110414652