In a significant strategic shift, the US Navy has decided to drastically cut its orders for the new Constellation-class guided-missile frigates, a program once championed by former President Donald Trump but now plagued by extensive delays. The move signals a new priority on rapid fleet expansion over the troubled vessel project.
A Strategic Pivot and Contract Reduction
Navy Secretary John Phelan announced the decision, confirming that the order for the Constellation-class frigates is being reduced to just two ships from the initially planned six. Even these two remaining vessels will remain under review, indicating further uncertainty for the program. Phelan stated that this move is part of a renewed emphasis on achieving a faster expansion of the naval fleet to counter emerging global threats.
The funds originally designated for the cancelled ships will be reallocated and put toward future Navy needs. This decision deals a major blow to the prime contractor, Fincantieri SpA, which is based in Trieste, Italy. Its Wisconsin-based subsidiary was contracted to build the warships. Secretary Phelan assured that the company would still be involved in the Navy's future plans.
Program Troubles and Mounting Costs
According to a separate Navy statement, approximately $2.5 billion has already been spent on the program to date. The project has been mired in problems for a long time. In a disclosure made in April 2024, the Navy revealed that the first frigate, whose construction began in 2022, was projected to be delivered three years later than its contracted date of April 2026.
A significant portion of the blame was placed on challenges in hiring an experienced workforce. As of now, the Navy reports that the first vessel is only 12% complete, and construction on the second ship has not even begun. Despite these issues, the Navy clarified that contractor performance was not a factor in the decision to terminate the contracts for convenience.
Political History and Future Implications
The Constellation-class frigate program had considerable political significance. Former President Donald Trump touted the contracts towards the end of his first term, praising the vessel's maneuverability and highlighting that the work was awarded to a subsidiary in the swing state of Wisconsin. He reiterated this point during his closing remarks at the 2024 Republican National Convention in Milwaukee.
However, a 2024 report from the Government Accountability Office (GAO) found fundamental flaws in the program's inception. The report concluded that the Navy failed to ensure the vessel's design was ready before awarding the project to Fincantieri. This inadequate review meant construction began before the design was stable, setting the stage for the current delays and cost overruns. Each frigate is estimated to cost between $1.1 billion and $1.2 billion, with the first ship's cost ballooning to over $1.3 billion.
In its response, Fincantieri expressed its commitment to the partnership and stated it is counting on the Navy to channel work on other vessels, such as amphibious and icebreaking ships, into its shipyards. The company also hopes to support the Navy's new focus on small surface combatants and unmanned platforms.
