According to a recent publication by USNI, the U.S. Navy has decided to discontinue the Constellation-class frigate program after facing numerous challenges including delays and rising costs. This strategic pivot aims to expedite shipbuilding efforts across the fleet.
Secretary of the Navy John Phelan announced this decision, emphasizing a commitment to enhancing operational readiness and efficiency in naval operations. The agreement with Fincantieri Marinette Marine will see the cancellation of four planned frigates while allowing only two-Constellation (FFG-62) and Congress (FFG-63)-to proceed through production. This move is intended to sustain activity at the Wisconsin shipyard as it transitions towards future projects.
The importance of maintaining workforce levels at Marinette cannot be overstated; approximately 3,000 employees are engaged across its facilities on Lake Michigan. Current projects include completing the last Freedom-class Littoral Combat Ship and constructing four Multi-Mission Surface Combatants for Saudi Arabia.
Fincantieri’s leadership anticipates that new opportunities will arise for their shipyards, potentially involving amphibious vessels, icebreakers, special-mission ships, and smaller surface combatants that can be developed more swiftly.
“From day one I made it clear: I won’t spend a dollar if it doesn’t strengthen readiness or our ability to win,” stated Secretary Phelan in a recent tweet regarding this strategic shift.
The Navy plans to request Congress reallocate some unspent funds originally designated for the Constellation-class towards these new initiatives at Marinette. So far, about $2 billion has been invested by the Navy into this program with an overall appropriation of $7.6 billion for six hulls.
This class was initially selected in 2020 based on modifications of European FREMM frigate designs used by France and Italy; however, extensive redesigns were necessary due to U.S. standards which significantly inflated costs-over $1 billion-and delayed delivery timelines from 2026 until late 2029.
The redesign also resulted in an increase in length exceeding 20 feet along with an additional displacement of around 500 tonnes; ultimately leading only about 15% commonality with its original design instead of the anticipated 85% compatibility.
A former senior acquisition official noted that modifying foreign designs often proves more complex than creating entirely new vessels-a sentiment echoed throughout various sectors within defense procurement processes globally.
Currently underway is a fleet design review aimed at shaping future warships alongside unmanned systems development initiatives. The Navy continues to express interest in accelerating programs like Landing Ship Medium while exploring larger unmanned surface vessels-all potential candidates for construction at Marinette moving forward.
