Constellation-class

The US Navy's FREMM-derived next-generation frigate — intended as a 20-hull class to close the force-structure gap, cut to 2 half-built hulls when the program was canceled in November 2025 amid runaway redesign and cost growth.

Overview

The Constellation-class guided-missile frigate (FFG-62) was the US Navy's program of record to recapitalize its frigate force, returning a dedicated, multimission small surface combatant to the fleet after the retirement of the Oliver Hazard Perry class. Derived from the Franco-Italian FREMM design, the program was awarded to Fincantieri Marinette Marine in 2020 with a plan for up to 20 ships. Chronic design changes that diverged the US hull roughly 85% from its European parent, combined with significant weight growth and multi-year schedule slips, led the Navy to cancel the entire program on 25 November 2025, capping it at the two vessels already under construction, according to USNI News and Defense News.

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