US Navy cancels work on final four frigates under contract

The USN terminated work on four Constellation-class frigates, shown here in a rendering. (US Navy)

The US Navy (USN) is making a “strategic shift away from the Constellation-class frigate programme”, USN Secretary John Phelan said on 25 November in multiple social media posts.

Specifically, the USN is terminating work on the last four ships under contract with Wisconsin-based Fincantieri Marinette Marine (FMM), Phelan said.

“While work on the first two ships continues, those ships remain under review,” Phelan said.

“We're reshaping how we build and field the fleet,” Phelan added.

“A key factor in this decision is the need to grow the fleet faster,” he said. “This framework puts the navy on a path to more rapidly construct new classes of ships … on a more urgent timeline.”

In a statement, FMM said, “The agreement encompasses the continuity of work for two Constellation-class frigates currently under construction and provides for the discontinuity of the contract for the four other Constellation-class frigates already under contract, reflecting the evolving strategic priorities of the US Navy. The agreement indemnifies Fincantieri Marine Group on existing economic commitments and industrial impacts through measures provided by the US Navy, as a result of the contractual decision made for its own convenience.”

According to the company's statement, the agreement between the shipbuilder and the navy was reached as “part of a general fleet review launched by the US Navy, aimed at transitioning towards a future model focused on technological excellence, manned and unmanned vessels, and a long-term sustainability”.

As noted in the Congressional Research Service (CRS) report Navy Constellation (FFG-62) Class Frigate Program: Background and Issues for Congress