Propulsion decision for Constellation-class frigates
Turbines selected for key USN programme that will deliver new fleet of frigate to the service
GE Marine has been selected to provide its LM2500+G4 gas turbine and control system for the USN’s future Constellation-class frigate, it was announced on 16 December.
Based on Fincantieri’s FREMM frigate design in service with the Italian Navy, the Constellation class will feature the same gas turbine in a CODLAG propulsion configuration throughout the first ten-ship constructed under the USN’s FFG(X) programme.
The LM2500+G4 marine gas turbine was introduced in 2012 with the commissioning of the French Navy's FREMM multipurpose frigate Aquitaine, which was also a ten-ship programme. Since then, the LM2500+G4 has been selected for the Italian Navy's FREMM frigates and Pattugliatori Polivalenti d'Altura multipurpose offshore patrol ships; the first of seven PPA's will be commissioned in 2021.
As part of our promise to deliver comprehensive coverage to our Defence Insight and Premium News subscribers, our curated defence news content provides the latest industry updates, contract awards and programme milestones.
More from Naval Warfare
-
![US Coast Guard orders 10 additional Fast Response Cutters]()
US Coast Guard orders 10 additional Fast Response Cutters
The USCG exercised a $507 million contract option for the acquisition of 10 extra FRCs. This new order will raise the total number of Sentinel-class vessels procured by the service from 67 to 77.
-
![DSEI 2025: Red Cat expands into USV production with focus on combat-proven technology]()
DSEI 2025: Red Cat expands into USV production with focus on combat-proven technology
At DSEI 2025, Red Cat outlines its expansion from UAVs into uncrewed surface vessels (USVs), positioning itself as a multi-domain defence provider spanning land, sea, and air.
-
![Anduril Australia wins A$1.7 billion Ghost Shark XL-AUV contract]()
Anduril Australia wins A$1.7 billion Ghost Shark XL-AUV contract
The vessels are expected to deliver a major boost to Australia’s undersea warfare capabilities, with production set to start immediately.
-
![Royal Canadian Navy will start operating class 2 UAVs in 2028]()
Royal Canadian Navy will start operating class 2 UAVs in 2028
Acquired under Canada’s Department of National Defence ISTAR UAS project, the drones will be deployed from the Halifax-class frigates.
