US Navy scuttles Constellation frigate programme for being too slow for tomorrow’s threats

Summary

The US Navy has decided to terminate the wider Constellation-class frigate programme, limiting the class to the two hulls already under construction (Constellation FFG-62 and Congress FFG-63). Secretary of the Navy John Phelan said the move is intended to accelerate fleet modernisation and prioritise platforms that can be fielded faster to meet emerging threats.

The Constellation design — based on Fincantieri’s FREMM hull — suffered repeated redesigns while in production, reducing commonality with the original design to under 15 per cent and causing at least a three-year schedule slip. Fincantieri has agreed to reshape the project as the Navy explores alternatives. Construction will continue on the two ships to preserve the workforce while decisions are finalised.

Key Points

The Navy will cap the Constellation-class at two ships instead of the planned 20.
Decision announced by Secretary John Phelan citing speed of delivery as the primary concern.
Original FREMM-based design was heavily modified during construction; commonality fell to under 15% and the programme is ~3 years behind.
Fincantieri and the Navy agreed to terminate/reshape the programme; the first two ships will continue under review.
Cancelling the frigates creates a potential shortfall in dedicated anti-submarine warfare (ASW) capability.
Existing destroyers and cruisers (Arleigh Burke, Ticonderoga) can cover some roles but are ageing; DDG(X) and other future programmes remain in development.
The Navy may pursue faster-to-build options including allied designs (e.g. Type 26 derivatives) or modular/unmanned concepts such as the LUSV to meet urgent requirements.

Context and relevance

This is a significant strategic pivot for the US fleet. The Constellation-class was meant to quickly replace shortcomings of the littoral combat ship era with a more capable frigate, but continual redesigns turned the speed advantage into a liability. The cancellation underscores a larger problem in defence procurement: lengthy modification cycles and bureaucratic friction can negate the benefits of adopting an existing foreign design.

For defence planners, shipbuilders and allied suppliers, the announcement signals stronger emphasis on rapid delivery and modular, producible solutions. It also raises near-term force-capability questions — especially in anti-submarine warfare — while the Navy searches for alternatives that balance capability, cost and build speed.

Why should I read this?

Because this isn’t just another procurement wobble — it affects what ships the US Navy will actually have when tensions spike. If you follow defence industry trends, naval capability, or supply-chain impacts on shipyards, this bit of news tells you where money and attention are about to move. Short version: the Navy is tired of slow boats, and that will ripple through contractors, allied navies and procurement plans.

Source

Source: https://go.theregister.com/feed/www.theregister.com/2025/11/26/navy_constellation_frigate/