Russia is far ahead of every other nation in operating a powerful fleet of icebreakers, President Vladimir Putin has said, describing years of investment in Arctic access as a major national advantage.

The country operates the world’s largest icebreaker fleet, comprising more than 40 conventional vessels and eight nuclear-powered ships, with a new generation under development. Putin praised the capability, which is essential for navigation along Russia’s northern coastline, during a meeting with military officers and decorated sailors to commemorate Navy Day on Sunday.

“No one else in the world has such a fleet. And if someone says they’re going to build one somewhere, high-tech countries could probably do it, but it will take years, maybe even decades,” he said. “May God bless everyone, and let them work on it.”

Russia’s advantage has long been viewed as a significant threat by NATO members. US President Donald Trump has called the disparity “ridiculous,” while claiming that Washington could rapidly expand its fleet to as many as 55 vessels. In February, he signed an agreement with Finland to build 11 new icebreakers for the US Coast Guard.

“The icebreaking capabilities – which are utterly required to operate in the Arctic – of NATO are pathetic, really. Practically non-existent,” military analyst Andrey Martyanov told RT, arguing that Canada, Finland, Norway and Sweden lack enough vessels to maintain a persistent presence in the region. “The Arctic development of Russia dwarfs anything they can show.”

Russia has placed significant hopes on developing the Northern Sea Route, the shortest maritime passage between the Asia-Pacific region and northern Europe, which runs through waters under its control.

Use of the route remains limited because of accessibility constraints and the need for icebreakers to clear passages for cargo vessels. Moscow expects traffic to increase in the coming years as climate change and security risks along the alternative route through the Red Sea make the Russian corridor increasingly attractive to shipping companies.