The U.S. Navy is hitting a major roadblock in its shipbuilding plans. Navy Secretary John Phelan recently announced the cancellation of the Constellation-class frigates. These vessels were meant to be a key part of the Navy’s strategy to compete with China’s growing naval force.
Phelan described the multi-billion dollar program as underperforming. He stated, “I won’t spend a dollar if it doesn’t strengthen readiness or our ability to win.” The Navy is now looking to change how it builds its fleet to better meet future threats.
A senior defense official stressed that the Navy needs to expand its fleet quickly. The goal is to deliver more vessels that meet the needs of modern warfare.
Originally, the plans included six Constellation-class ships at a cost of about $1.1 billion each. These frigates were designed to be versatile, operating in both open oceans and coastal areas. However, their development has faced delays and budget overruns, causing forecasts for their delivery to push from 2026 to 2029.
The U.S. currently lacks frigates, having decommissioned the last one in 2015. In contrast, China has launched a rapid shipbuilding campaign, expecting to have around 400 vessels by the end of this year, including 50 frigates. The U.S. fleet, meanwhile, stands at around 240 ships and submarines. Experts warn that in naval confrontations, larger fleets often have the upper hand.
Historically, the Constellation-class was intended to be a quicker alternative based on an existing Italian design. However, necessary modifications led to rising costs and construction delays. Many analysts believe it is wise to stop the troubled program. Carl Schuster, a former Navy captain, criticized it as a waste of funding, stating it wouldn’t stand a chance against moderate threats.
Experts have pointed to broader issues within U.S. naval shipbuilding. Sal Mercogliano, a naval analyst, noted that poor design processes have hampered the Navy’s ability to produce effective surface ships in recent decades. This concern is echoed by Schuster, who highlighted that the Navy hasn’t built a reliable surface warship since the Arleigh Burke-class destroyers debuted over 20 years ago.
With two Constellation-class ships still in the works, their future remains uncertain. Phelan indicated they would continue construction but emphasized a shift in strategy for the Navy’s shipbuilding programs. Meanwhile, the U.S. is exploring international partnerships for ship maintenance and possibly future construction, with hopes that legislative changes could allow for building Navy ships in allied countries.
As the Navy works through these significant challenges, the stakes grow higher in a rapidly changing global maritime landscape. The push for a more effective and responsive fleet remains crucial, especially with increasing competition on the high seas.
For more on current naval strategies and the implications of shipbuilding cancellations, visit USNI News and ProPublica.
