U.S. Navy Scraps Constellation-Class Frigate Program
In a surprising move, the U.S. Navy has announced the cancellation of most of its Constellation-class frigate program, reducing the planned fleet from 20 ships to just two. Secretary of the Navy John Phelan cited rising costs and design instability as key factors in this decision, which aims to redirect funding towards a new frigate concept that promises faster production. This cancellation highlights ongoing challenges within U.S. naval shipbuilding and procurement processes.
Frigate Program Overview
The Constellation-class frigate was initially conceived as a solution to a pressing capability gap in the U.S. Navy. By the late 2010s, the Navy recognized the shortcomings of its Littoral Combat Ship program, which failed to deliver a versatile and survivable small surface combatant. Larger destroyers, while effective, were too costly to deploy in adequate numbers. The FFG(X) program was launched to address these issues by quickly developing a frigate based on a proven design.
In 2020, the Navy awarded the contract to Fincantieri Marinette Marine, selecting a design derived from the Franco-Italian FREMM frigate. The intention was to leverage an existing hull to minimize risks and costs. Initial estimates suggested that follow-on ships would cost between $850 million and $950 million each, significantly less than the Arleigh Burke-class destroyers. The frigates were intended for escort duties, independent patrols, and anti-submarine warfare, among other missions.
However, the program quickly encountered difficulties. Despite its low-risk premise, the design began to evolve beyond its original scope. The Navy introduced numerous modifications to meet U.S. specifications, resulting in a ship that deviated significantly from the FREMM’s baseline. By 2025, the design had expanded in weight and size, leading to delays and increased costs. Ultimately, only the USS Constellation (FFG-62) and USS Congress (FFG-63) will be completed to maintain workforce stability at the Wisconsin shipyard.
Challenges in U.S. Naval Shipbuilding
The cancellation of the Constellation-class program underscores a broader issue within U.S. naval shipbuilding: the inability to deliver ships on time and within budget. The U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) has repeatedly highlighted the pitfalls of allowing designs to expand during construction, which leads to increased complexity and costs. In a 2024 report, the GAO noted that unstable designs had stalled construction and compromised delivery schedules.
The Constellation-class faced significant challenges due to the accumulation of U.S.-specific requirements, which resulted in a weight increase of up to 13 percent and a lengthening of the ship by approximately 23 feet. These changes necessitated extensive modifications to the combat systems and structural reinforcements, ultimately transforming the vessel into a new design rather than an adaptation of an existing one. As a result, the program experienced delivery delays of at least three years, pushing the timeline for the lead ship to 2029.
Challenges Facing the U.S. Navy’s Constellation-Class Frigate
This situation is not unique to the Constellation-class. Similar issues have plagued other U.S. Navy acquisition efforts over the past two decades, where initial designs have expanded to meet evolving requirements, leading to increased costs and delays. The Navy’s approach of commencing construction without a stable design has consistently resulted in complications, forcing engineers to address problems mid-construction.
As the U.S. Navy grapples with these challenges, adversaries like China are rapidly advancing their naval capabilities. The People’s Liberation Army Navy has expanded significantly, building new ships at a pace that outstrips U.S. production. The need for the U.S. to streamline its shipbuilding processes and adapt to changing global dynamics has never been more urgent.
