Navy ends troubled frigate program
The Navy has decided to terminate the Constellation-class frigate program, shifting its focus towards developing new classes of warships that can be produced more efficiently and at a lower cost, as announced by Navy Secretary John Phelan on Tuesday.
The frigates were designed to serve as versatile small surface combatants, capable of executing various missions in both open waters and coastal environments.
This initiative aimed to replace the problematic Littoral Combat Ships and the retired Oliver Hazard Perry-class frigates.
The plan included acquiring up to 20 multi-mission guided-missile frigates from the Constellation class, with an estimated total cost exceeding $22 billion. In 2020, a contract was awarded to Fincantieri Marinette Marine for the design and construction of the lead ship.
However, according to a May 2024 report from the U.S. Government Accountability Office, the program encountered significant design and construction hurdles.
The report indicated that due to these challenges, the shipbuilder now anticipates delivering the lead vessel in 2029—approximately three years later than initially scheduled for April 2026.
Phelan emphasized his responsibility as Navy secretary to manage resources wisely. He stated that continuing with this frigate program is not justifiable under current circumstances.
“I will not spend a single taxpayer dollar unless it contributes directly to readiness and our ability to defeat future threats,” Phelan remarked in a message shared on X. “Every dollar we save must go back into readiness.”
The Navy reached an agreement with Fincantieri that cancels plans for the last four ships of this class, which have yet to be constructed.
Fincantieri will continue work on the first two ships in this class: USS Constellation and USS Congress. Phelan noted that these vessels will remain under review during this strategic transition.
Before awarding contracts, prospective shipbuilders were instructed by the Navy to base their designs on existing models in order to expedite production timelines.
Phelan acknowledged that despite canceling this program, the Navy holds great respect for shipbuilders in Wisconsin and Michigan where work is still ongoing. “Shipbuilding is a foremost concern,” he stated. “The Navy needs ships, and we look forward to building them in every shipyard that we can.”
