The U.S. Coast Guard awards a $3.5 billion contract to Davie Defense to construct and deliver five Arctic Security Cutters (ASCs), a new class of Arctic icebreakers. Multiple outlets report that the vessels will expand the Coast Guard’s Arctic mission capability and represent a distinct design from prior cutter classes. The contract covers building and delivery of all five ships, with Davie Defense serving as the primary contractor. While details of specific ship features and schedules are only partially reflected across the coverage, all sources agree on the contract value and the number of cutters. The reporting also frames the effort as part of the Coast Guard’s broader focus on operating in Arctic conditions, where ice-capable hulls and sustained deployments are required. The procurement is positioned as a fleet-building step, adding new hulls intended for Arctic security and support missions. The contract is finalized as of May 13, 2026, according to the press release, and the other outlets echo the same announcement without diverging from the core terms.