The Constellation-class: A Deep Dive into the US Navy’s Next-Generation Frigate

The Constellation-class frigates herald a new era for the United States Navy, embodying agility, technological sophistication, and lethal potency in a compact, multi-mission platform. Designed to dominate in both open ocean and near-shore environments, these frigates seamlessly blend advanced anti-submarine warfare (ASW), air defense, and surface warfare capabilities.

As the latest bearers of a storied legacy, the Constellation-class stands ready to safeguard maritime interests and project power across the globe’s contentious waters, ensuring the US Navy remains at the forefront of naval superiority.

From Legacy to Next-Gen: Replacing the Oliver Hazard Perry-class

The Constellation-class frigates are slated to succeed the Oliver Hazard Perry-class frigates, which served as versatile mainstays in the Navy from the late 1970s through the 2010s.

Named after the 1812 War hero, the Perrys, while valiant in their service, lacked the capabilities required for the modern maritime landscape. Eventually, they were decommissioned from US service, with the last one being the long-hulled USS Simpson (FFG-56) in 2015. Although many units continue to serve with international navies, underlining their enduring design and versatility.

The Constellation-class addresses the technology gap of the Perrys with a significant increase in displacement (over 7,200 tons fully loaded) and a feature-rich design that surpasses its predecessor in nearly every aspect.

Multi-Mission Mastery: A Jack-of-All-Trades for the High Seas

Like its predecessor, the true strength of the Constellation-class lies in its versatility. These frigates are designed to dominate across a wide spectrum of naval operations, including:

Air Defense

Equipped with the advanced Enterprise Air Surveillance Radar (EASR) and Baseline Ten (BL10) Aegis Combat System, Constellation-class frigates can effectively detect, track, and engage enemy aircraft and drones, forming a vital part of any layered air defense network.

Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW)

These frigates boast next-generation sonar systems like the Thales CAPTAS-4 low-frequency variable depth sonar (VDS) for superior underwater surveillance. Furthermore, they are equipped with launchers for torpedoes and other ASW weaponry, allowing them to hunt and neutralize enemy submarines.

Surface Warfare

Constellation-class frigates pack a punch. They have a Mk 41 Vertical Launch System (VLS) capable of firing various missiles and a powerful deck gun for engaging surface threats.

Electronic Warfare (EW) and Information Operations (IO)

In today’s information age, controlling the electromagnetic spectrum is paramount. The Constellation-class boasts robust EW capabilities to disrupt enemy communications and sensor systems, while its IO suite allows for advanced information gathering and tactical maneuvering.

A Transatlantic Collaboration: Building on Proven Success

The Constellation-class design leverages the highly successful European “FREMM” multi-mission frigate platform, which the French and Italian navies have already deployed.

This collaboration ensures a combat-proven design foundation that is then meticulously tailored to meet the US Navy’s specific needs and equipment requirements.

This fusion of proven European technology with American naval expertise creates a truly innovative and powerful warship.

Building a Fleet for the Future: Numbers, Timeline, and Beyond

Construction of the first Constellation-class frigate, USS Constellation (FFG 62), began in 2022 at Fincantieri Marinette Marine in Marinette, Wisconsin.

The first of many! ⚓

📍 WASHINGTON – The first Constellation-class guided missile frigate, a highly capable and survivable multi-mission warship, will begin construction Aug. 31 at Fincantieri Marinette Marine shipyard.

Read the story here: https://t.co/X9Ipe5otaN pic.twitter.com/xMi2aNudbc

— U.S. Navy (@USNavy) September 2, 2022

This will be the Navy’s first frigate in over three decades, as the last Oliver Hazard Perry-class ship was built in the late 1980s.

While the initial commissioning was slated for 2026, recent reports suggest a slight delay, with a more realistic timeframe being sometime in 2027 or 2028.

The Navy plans to procure a total of 20 Constellation-class frigates, with the follow-on ships expected to see a ramp-up in production pace to meet the growing demand.

Future Constellation-class Frigates

• USS Constellation (FFG 62) – under construction since 2022
• USS Congress (FFG 63) – contract awarded to the builder
• USS Chesapeake (FFG 64) – contract awarded to the builder
• USS Lafayette (FFG 65) – contract awarded to the builder

The Navy announced in June 2021 that Naval Station Everett in Washington would be the future home for the class’s first 12 ships.

Secretary of the @USNavy Del Toro announced the name of the FFG-65, #USSLafayette.

This remarkable vessel is the fourth Constellation-class frigate to be constructed by our US subsidiary #FincantieriMarineGroup at Fincantieri Marinette Marine shipyard: FMM has embarked on an… pic.twitter.com/lmtbPakoUL

— Fincantieri (@Fincantieri) July 7, 2023

While the initial lead ship of the Constellation-class came in at a cost of $1.28 billion, the Navy expects subsequent vessels to be built for between $850 million and $950 million each. However, recent budget requests suggest the overall program cost might be higher, with the possibility of each frigate exceeding the initial estimates.

Adaptability for Uncharted Waters: A Design Built to Evolve

The Constellation-class frigates a visionary design philosophy: modularity. This isn’t just about future-proofing; it empowers proactive adaptation.

Unlike traditional, rigid designs, the Constellation-class can be readily upgraded with cutting-edge technologies and weapon systems. This allows the Navy to anticipate emerging threats and stay a step ahead.

As technological advancement shows no signs of slowing, the modular design ensures that the Constellation-class frigates can be constantly refined, maintaining their dominance on the high seas.

When the USS Constellation arrives later this decade, it will mark the return of a small but versatile ship class to the US Navy.

The Constellation-class: A Symbol of American Naval Prowess

The Constellation-class frigates mark a significant chapter in the evolution of the US Navy’s surface combatant fleet.

Their versatility, firepower, and adaptability make them a crucial asset for safeguarding maritime interests around the globe.

With their emphasis on future-proofing and continuous improvement, the Constellation-class frigates are poised to be a mainstay of the Navy for decades to come.