The U.S. Navy has made a significant pivot in its shipbuilding strategy, canceling the Constellation-class frigate program in favor of faster-to-build vessels and a new, American-designed frigate. This decision marks a shift in naval procurement, prioritizing speed and efficiency over the delayed and costly Constellation-class project. The move comes as the Navy seeks to streamline its fleet and accelerate delivery timelines, reflecting a broader effort to enhance military capability and readiness.
The End of the Constellation-Class Frigate
The Constellation-class frigate program, once envisioned as a faster, lower-risk alternative to the Littoral Combat Ship, has faced numerous challenges. Initially awarded to Fincantieri Marinette Marine in 2020, the program was based on a modified version of the European FREMM frigate, aiming to save time by leveraging an existing design. However, the adaptation process proved more complex than anticipated, leading to significant delays and cost overruns.
Delays and Cost Overruns
The Constellation-class frigate program encountered several setbacks, pushing the delivery of the first ship from 2026 to 2029. The redesign required to meet U.S. Navy survivability and systems standards added roughly $1.5 billion in costs. By the time the Navy reassessed the program, the Constellation-class frigate cost about 80% as much as a destroyer while delivering only around 60% of the capability. Congress had allocated $7.6 billion for six ships, but the Navy had already spent about $2 billion, raising questions about the program’s future.
The Decision to Cancel
The decision to cancel the Constellation-class frigate program was influenced by comments from Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth in November 2025, who highlighted an “absence of urgency” in the current delivery of U.S. military capability. The Navy’s move to cancel the program reflects a broader effort to streamline shipbuilding and accelerate delivery timelines across the fleet. The cancellation of four previously planned warships effectively caps the class at just two hulls, with construction continuing on the USS Constellation (FFG-62) and USS Congress (FFG-63).
The Path Forward: New Frigates and Faster Ships
While the Constellation-class frigate program has been canceled, frigates themselves are not going away. The White House has approved adding a new frigate under President Trump’s Golden Fleet initiative, a future force concept focused on countering vessels like China’s newest next-gen naval warship. The new U.S. Navy frigate will be based on an American design that locks in requirements before construction begins, a stark contrast to the change orders that caused so much strain with the Constellation class.
Accelerating Shipbuilding Programs
The Navy is looking to channel work into platforms that can be delivered sooner. Marinette will continue building the two frigates already underway, along with its final Freedom-class Littoral Combat Ship. After that, the U.S. Navy will be accelerating programs such as the Landing Ship Medium and large unmanned surface vehicles to be built in Wisconsin. Additionally, the Navy is investigating the possibility of partnering more closely with efficient shipbuilding allies like South Korea and Japan to ensure American interests.
Potential Partnerships with International Allies
South Korea’s Hanwha Ocean shipyard, which received certification in 2024 for working on U.S. Navy noncombat vessels, could be one of the sites of new ship construction. This potential partnership highlights the Navy’s commitment to leveraging international alliances to enhance its shipbuilding capabilities and ensure the timely delivery of new vessels.
Conclusion
The cancellation of the Constellation-class frigate program marks a significant shift in the U.S. Navy’s shipbuilding strategy. By prioritizing faster-to-build vessels and a new, American-designed frigate, the Navy aims to streamline its fleet and accelerate delivery timelines. This decision reflects a broader effort to enhance military capability and readiness, ensuring that the U.S. Navy remains a formidable force in the face of evolving global threats.
FAQ
Why was the Constellation-class frigate program canceled?
The Constellation-class frigate program was canceled due to significant delays and cost overruns. The redesign required to meet U.S. Navy survivability and systems standards added roughly $1.5 billion in costs, pushing the delivery of the first ship from 2026 to 2029. By the time the Navy reassessed the program, the Constellation-class frigate cost about 80% as much as a destroyer while delivering only around 60% of the capability.
What is the U.S. Navy’s plan for replacing the Constellation-class frigate?
The U.S. Navy plans to replace the Constellation-class frigate with a new, American-designed frigate based on the Legend-class National Security Cutter used by the U.S. Coast Guard. This new frigate will be built under President Trump’s Golden Fleet initiative, a future force concept focused on countering vessels like China’s newest next-gen naval warship.
How will the U.S. Navy accelerate its shipbuilding programs?
The U.S. Navy aims to accelerate its shipbuilding programs by channeling work into platforms that can be delivered sooner. This includes continuing the construction of the two Constellation-class frigates already underway, along with the final Freedom-class Littoral Combat Ship. The Navy is also investigating the possibility of partnering more closely with efficient shipbuilding allies like South Korea and Japan to ensure American interests.
What is the significance of the U.S. Navy’s decision to cancel the Constellation-class frigate program?
The cancellation of the Constellation-class frigate program signifies a broader effort to streamline shipbuilding and accelerate delivery timelines across the fleet. This decision reflects the Navy’s commitment to enhancing military capability and readiness, ensuring that it remains a formidable force in the face of evolving global threats.
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