The November cancellation of the Constellation-class frigate program opened the way for selecting a new contractor.
Image Credit: US Navy
NEW FRIGATES BASED
ON US COAST GUARD
CUTTERS
On November 25th, the US Secretary of the Navy announced the can-
cellation of the Constellation-class guided missile frigate program.
The primary reasons cited were rapidly escalating costs and signifi-
cant delays. The prototype vessel was ordered in April 2020; despite
the elapsed time, the lead ship has yet to reach a stage permitting
even launch.
levels while allowing sufficient time for rest and training. Planned ar-
mament includes Mk 41 vertical launch systems (128 cells), supple-
mented by a dedicated launcher (12 cells) for nuclear-armed cruise
missiles. Additional systems are to include 127 mm automatic naval
guns, directed-energy weapons with outputs of 300 kW or 600 kW,
and a single electromagnetic railgun. The ships are also expected to
be equipped with RAM point-defense launchers, a limited number of
30 mm automatic cannons, and counter-UAS protection systems.
According to Department of War estimates, the unit cost may exce-
ed USD 10 billion, potentially making this one of the most expensive
programs in US Navy history. Congressional analyses suggest costs
could rise as high as USD 15 billion per ship. The size of the vessels
may further constrain construction to only three shipyards within the
United States, which—under pressure from the Trump administra-
tion—could disrupt other ongoing naval procurement programs.
NAVY
