ROME — The United States Navy has decided to terminate the Constellation frigate program due to ongoing issues with cost overruns and delays, although it will continue construction on two ships already underway in Wisconsin.
Strategic Reevaluation of Naval Operations
Navy Secretary John C. Phelan announced on the social platform X, “In an effort to modernize and optimize our fleet, we are initiating a strategic pivot from the Constellation-class frigate program. This decision is in collaboration with our industry partners to ensure our naval capabilities are robust and efficient.”
Phelan further disclosed that the contracts for four additional ships, which were slated for construction by Fincantieri but had not yet started, will now be canceled. “The Navy has established a comprehensive agreement that allows us to cease the contracts for the last four ships of the class which have not begun construction, for the Navy’s convenience,” he explained.
Phelan emphasized the importance of the shipbuilding workforce in Michigan and Wisconsin, stating, “As we proceed with the construction of the first two ships, we are closely monitoring these developments. Our priority remains with maintaining employment and ensuring the sustainability of our shipyards for future naval construction projects.”
Background of the Constellation Frigate Program
The contract to build the frigates was awarded to the Italian shipbuilding company Fincantieri in 2020, to be executed at its Marinette Marine yard in Wisconsin. The U.S. Navy originally planned to commission a total of 20 ships from this line. The design of the frigates was based on Fincantieri’s FREMM frigate, already serving in the French and Italian navies. Initially, the design completion for the ships was reported to be 88% finalized.
However, a report from the United States Government Accountability Office in March highlighted significant setbacks, including a series of design alterations mandated by the Navy. These changes had, over five years, left the program only 70% complete and three years behind schedule. “The numerous redesigns have significantly altered the frigate from its original model, which the Navy had initially presented as a risk mitigation measure,” the report noted.
By 2025, the continuous redesigns had caused the ships to exceed weight limits, prompting the Navy to consider lowering the speed requirements of the frigates among other possible solutions.
Future Directions and Industry Compensation
Addressing the need for prompt and efficient delivery of naval ships, Phelan stated, “The facts are clear. It’s imperative that we deliver vessels that meet our warfighters’ needs swiftly to align with the current threat landscape, rather than adhering to bureaucratic timelines.”
In response to the program’s cancellation, Fincantieri expressed expectations of receiving new orders for various specialized ships like amphibious and icebreaking vessels to offset the financial impact. The company highlighted, “The agreement compensates Fincantieri Marine Group for the economic and industrial impacts through measures provided by the U.S. Navy, as a result of the contractual termination made for its convenience.”
Fincantieri has invested over $800 million in its four U.S. shipyards and employs 3,750 staff across the country. George Moutafis, CEO of Fincantieri Marine Group, commented on the investments, “Our commitment to the U.S. shipyards underscores our long-term strategy to strengthen the U.S. maritime industrial base and continue the momentum of the American shipbuilding renaissance.”
According to sources in Italy reported by Defense News, the initial contract for the six frigates was valued at $5.5 billion. The continuation of work on the first two ships, along with agreed indemnities with the U.S. government, is estimated to bring in $3 billion, with an additional $2 billion expected from new orders.
Senator Roger Wicker, Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, lauded Phelan’s decision, stating, “The decision to cancel the troubled Constellation-class frigate program was difficult but necessary. Despite the setbacks caused by design changes during the Biden administration, Fincantieri Marinette Marine remains a key player in our shipbuilding future. This move signals a significant step towards rectifying Navy program management and restoring accountability.”
Phelan concluded, “The Navy remains committed to expanding its fleet to address future threats. This new strategy enables us to build more ships faster, ensuring that we can deliver the necessary capabilities to our warfighters more efficiently.”
*Editor’s note: This story was updated post-publication to clarify the initial contract value for the Constellation program was $5.5 billion.*
Similar Posts:
- US Navy Plans Creation of New, Agile Class of Compact Combat Ships
- Navy Set to Launch Construction of Two ‘Trump Class’ Battleships: Find Out More!
- Sweden’s Frigate Decision Looms: France Eyes 2030 for Naval Upgrade
- Pentagon’s $5 Billion Move: Accelerating Ship Manufacturing to Boost Defense!
- Navy Receives Last Independence-Class Warship: A New Era of Combat Readiness
Jamal Peterson reports on defense, aerospace, and tech policy. With a military background and a strategic mind, he dissects complex subjects with clarity, offering readers sharp, reliable insights.
