US Navy Cancels Frigate Program, Impacting Competition with China’s Fleet
The U.S. Navy’s shipbuilding initiatives faced a significant setback recently, as Navy Secretary John Phelan announced the cancellation of the Constellation-class frigate program. This decision undermines a strategy that aimed to bolster U.S. naval capabilities amid China’s expanding fleet.
Cancellation of the Constellation-Class Frigate Program
Phelan emphasized that the multibillion-dollar initiative has not yielded satisfactory results. “I won’t spend a dollar if it doesn’t strengthen readiness or our ability to win,” he stated on social media. The Navy is redirecting its efforts to enhance its fleet’s operational readiness, signaling a strategic shift away from this program.
Concerns Over Fleet Readiness
A senior defense official articulated the urgent need for the U.S. Navy to expand its fleet to better address emerging threats. The goal is to accelerate the construction of new ships and enhance capabilities. The Navy had previously engaged Fincantieri Marine Group to build six of these frigates, originally intended to comprise a total of 20 vessels.
- Frigate cost: Approximately $1.1 billion each
- Frigate displacement: 7,200 tons
- Current U.S. fleet: Around 240 ships and submarines
- Projected Chinese fleet by year-end: About 400 ships
Shifting Strategic Needs
The Constellation class was expected to serve as a versatile, multi-mission warship. It was designed to fill the gap between larger destroyers and smaller combat vessels. However, the project has been plagued by cost overruns and production delays, with the USS Constellation’s delivery pushed from 2026 to 2029.
Expert Opinions on the Program’s Viability
Analysts have voiced their concerns over the Constellation’s design and its ability to contend with modern threats. Carl Schuster, a former U.S. Navy captain, noted that the frigate lacks adequate defenses against various threats, questioning its battlefield viability. Naval analyst Sal Mercogliano called the program a continuation of prior ineffective shipbuilding efforts.
Comparison to Previous Shipbuilding Challenges
This cancellation echoes the troubled history of other naval projects, such as the littoral combat ships (LCS) and the Zumwalt-class destroyers. The LCS program has faced allegations of inefficiency and performance issues, leading to early retirements of some vessels. The Zumwalt program also suffered from budget increases, resulting in a significant reduction in planned acquisitions.
- LCS program estimated cost: Up to $100 billion
- Number of LCS commissioned: 35 with two more under construction
Future Considerations for U.S. Shipbuilding
Secretary Phelan has indicated that construction on the remaining Constellation class ships would continue, but their future remains uncertain. He emphasized the importance of maintaining the shipbuilding workforce while executing a strategic shift in the Navy’s construction strategy.
Fincantieri Marine Group plans to repurpose its workforce towards different projects, highlighting the importance of sustaining the U.S. maritime industrial base. Phelan stated that preserving shipbuilding capability is crucial for the Navy’s long-term success.
The complexities of U.S. naval shipbuilding efforts have prompted discussions about potential collaborations with overseas shipyards in South Korea and Japan. However, legal changes would be necessary to implement such arrangements.
In conclusion, the U.S. Navy faces significant challenges in its shipbuilding programs. The recent cancellation of the Constellation-class frigate program underscores the ongoing dilemma of meeting modern naval threats while ensuring efficient production capabilities.
