USN orders second Constellation-class frigate
Marinette Marine will build the second Constellation-class guided-missile frigate for the USN
Fincantieri subsidiary Marinette Marine has been awarded a $553.89 million contract modification by US Naval Sea Systems Command to design and build the second Constellation-class (FFG-62) guided-missile frigate.
Construction of the future USS Congress is scheduled for completion in January 2027, according to a 20 May announcement from the DoD.
Marinette Marine is already working on the detailed design phase of the first-in-class USS Constellation. Construction of that vessel is expected to start in late 2021 with delivery earmarked for 2026.
The USN initially ordered ten Constellation-class frigates in 2020. The construction work plus post-delivery availability support and crew training is worth $5.5 billion to Fincantieri.
The USN plans a follow-on order for 10 additional Constellation-class vessels.
Although the design of the new frigates is based on the Italian FREMM, it includes a significant amount of US content. Shephard Defence Insight notes that the future USS Constellation will contain more than 96% US content by value, for example.
Related Programmes in Defence Insight
Constellation Class - FFG(X) (1-10)
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Naval Warfare
-
TKMS joins forces with Norwegian shipbuilder for Fridtjof Nansen frigate replacement bid
Four shipbuilders have been downselected to build the frigate replacement programme, and TKMS hopes the new deal will give it a geographical advantage.
-
As Australian resistance rises, is AUKUS in trouble?
The tripartite submarine project is under political pressure from a grass-roots Australian Labor Party movement, but it could also have practical issues in its way.
-
Newest Arleigh Burke Flight III destroyer launched and ready for fitting
DDG 129, which will become the USS Jeremiah Denton on commissioning, was moved to dry dock to begin its technical fitting and testing.
-
Dune joint venture wins four year contract to bolster UAE OPV fleet
The JV between Al Seer Marine and Damen International doubles down on a recent deal to increase the country’s offshore patrol vessel capabilities.
-
US Navy sends second destroyer to patrol its own southern border
The USS Spruance will help enforce anti-smuggling and anti-immigration laws.