US Navy commissions third Constellation-class frigate
The Constellation-class frigates will replace the Oliver-Hazard Perry-class frigates, pictured here before decommissioning in 2015. (Photo: USN)
Fincantieri has received a contract modification for the construction of the third Constellation-class frigate from the USN.
Marinette Marine, a subsidiary of Fincantieri, has been awarded a contract to detail design and construct one Constellation-class guided-missile frigate, the USS Chesapeake, plus integrated environmental support.
The contract is valued at $536 million and is expected to be completed by August 2028.
The first Constellation class is expected to be delivered by 2026, while the USN contracted Marinette Marine for the second frigate in May 2021.
This order is for the construction of the third in class, out of a total of ten initially ordered in 2020. The overall contract, for all ten vessels, is worth $5.5 billion to Fincantieri.
The new class of frigates will replace the Oliver Hazard Perry-class frigates, the last of which was retired in 2015.
According to Shephard Defence Insight, the USN has a lack of small, inexpensive ocean-going ships since the LCS failed to materialise as planned. This means the FFG(X) programme is running on an accelerated timeline.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Naval Warfare
-
![Fincantieri’s Vulcano Class: a new era of versatility and innovation in naval operations]()
Fincantieri’s Vulcano Class: a new era of versatility and innovation in naval operations
Logistic support ships (LSS) are essential for sustained naval operations, especially during extended deployments far from home ports.
-
![Helsing unveils new AI-enabled uncrewed underwater glider]()
Helsing unveils new AI-enabled uncrewed underwater glider
The glider, named SG-1 Fathom, has been designed to be scalable and affordable, and can be deployed for up to three months at a time, according to Helsing.
-
![Singapore to upgrade Super Rapid 76mm guns with Strales system]()
Singapore to upgrade Super Rapid 76mm guns with Strales system
A total of 28 active surface ships will receive the upgrades to their weaponry to help them combat the growing threat from UAVs.
-
![Will the US be able to make its shipbuilding industry “great again”?]()
Will the US be able to make its shipbuilding industry “great again”?
The White House and Congress have been increasing efforts to support the national maritime industry.
