US Navy Tackles Delays in Constellation-Class Frigate Production

The US Navy’s Constellation-class frigate, hailed as the future of naval surface combatants, is facing a critical period of development marked by delays, design complexities, and the need for expanded production capabilities.

As the service strives to modernize its fleet and meet strategic demands, the Constellation-class frigate embodies both the promise of innovation and the challenges of execution.

A quick recap: The Constellation-class frigate (FFG-62) was conceived to bridge the gap between smaller Littoral Combat Ships (LCS) and larger Arleigh Burke-class destroyers.

Designed as a 6,700-ton guided-missile frigate with advanced combat capabilities, the program aimed to enhance the US Navy’s fleet with a platform capable of operating in contested environments.

However, the program has encountered significant delays.

The first frigate, Constellation (FFG-62), originally scheduled for delivery in 2026, is now projected to be delayed by up to three years.

According to a USNI News report Friday, the Navy leadership has attributed the delays to design maturity challenges, workforce shortages, and the complexities of adapting the ship’s design to meet stringent US survivability and growth margin standards.

Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Research, Development, and Acquisition Nickolas Guertin acknowledged the setbacks, stating, “We’re significantly delayed in getting the first ship out,” but emphasized the Navy’s commitment to positioning the program for future success.

Development History: Italian Genes, American Standards

The Constellation-class design is based on the FREMM (European multipurpose frigates) surface combatant, which has proven successful in the Italian and French navies.

While the FREMM served as a strong foundation, the US Navy’s requirements necessitated extensive modifications. Key changes included:

• Enhanced Survivability: Upgrades to meet US Navy standards for combat durability.
• Growth Margins: Design adjustments to accommodate future modernization over the ship’s lifecycle.
• Integration Challenges: Altering the FREMM’s design required approval for every artifact, creating bottlenecks in the approval process and exposing gaps in both industry and government bandwidth.

Despite these challenges, Navy officials assert that the Constellation-class maintains functional similarities to the FREMM.

Rear Adm. Kevin Smith, former frigate program manager, noted, “Functionally, it feels like a FREMM. The bridge, layout, and propulsion plant are similar, even if the detail design looks nothing alike.”

Technical Specifications: Designed for the Future

The Constellation-class frigate is a versatile platform intended to operate across various mission sets. Key specifications include:

• Displacement: 6,700 tons.
• Armament: A combination of guided missiles, naval guns, and anti-submarine warfare systems.
• Propulsion: A sophisticated system derived from the FREMM design, adapted for US standards.
• Mission Capabilities: Air defense, surface warfare, anti-submarine operations, and electronic warfare.

However, a Government Accountability Office (GAO) report in May 2024 raised concerns about “unplanned weight growth,” which could limit the ship’s ability to accommodate future upgrades.

Future Production: Expanding Capacity

The US Navy recognizes the need to scale production to meet its 30-year shipbuilding plan. With Fincantieri Marinette Marine limited to producing two frigates per year, the Navy is exploring options for a second shipyard.

A recent Request for Information (RFI) attracted responses from six US shipbuilders, including Austal USA, Bollinger Shipyards, HII’s Ingalls Shipbuilding, and General Dynamics Bath Iron Works.

Navy Secretary Carlos Del Toro emphasized the importance of this effort, noting, “It’s going to take time to evaluate the yards that could work on a second production line for the frigate,” quoted by USNI News.

The service also considers teaming arrangements, where one yard handles assembly while another produces components, similar to submarine construction partnerships.

Challenges and Opportunities

While the Constellation-class frigate faces hurdles, it also represents a crucial step forward in modern naval warfare. Key challenges include:

• Design Maturity: Resolving bottlenecks in the approval process and ensuring the design supports long-term modernization.
• Workforce Shortages: Recruiting and retaining skilled labor to meet production demands.
• Production Scalability: Balancing current delays with the need to ramp up production capacity.

Despite these obstacles, the program offers significant opportunities.

The Navy’s pursuit of a second shipyard and lessons learned from the Constellation-class’ early challenges could streamline future shipbuilding programs.

A Path Forward

The Constellation-class frigate program underscores the complexities of modern naval shipbuilding. While delays and challenges have slowed its progress, the US Navy’s commitment to refining the design and expanding production capacity reflects a clear recognition of its strategic importance.

As the first USS Constellation (FFG-62) enters service, it will serve as a testament to the Navy’s ability to innovate and adapt, bridging the gap between current needs and future demands.

Despite the rough waters, the Constellation-class frigate is poised to become a cornerstone of the US Navy’s surface fleet for decades to come.