The US Navy is considering recruiting a second yard to help build its new class of guided missile frigates as the programme falls further and further behind schedule. In November, amid mounting concern over the delays and cost, the US Department of Defense issued a request for information (RfI) for a second yard to build the vessels, in addition to current builder Fincantieri Marinette Marine.
The RfI states that the FFG 62 Constellation-class programme office (PMS 515) is “conducting market research to identify potential ship construction sources that possess the capability to accomplish future programme requirements”. Specifically, PMS 515 seeks to identify qualified US surface combatant shipbuilders as sources for future design and/or follow-on construction of the Constellation class.
As highlighted by Warship Technology earlier this year, the US Navy embarked on construction of its latest frigate type before the design was finalised, a decision that has created ongoing problems. Design of the FFG 62 – a programme the US Navy embarked on because of failures in its Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) programme – has slowed and construction has “stalled”, according to a Government Accountability Office (GAO) report published in May 2024.
The US Navy recently reported a delay of at least three years in the delivery of the lead ship, from 2026 to 2029. According to the GAO, this is largely because the design was not completed before construction began and because the Navy has “poor metrics” for reporting design progress. “The biggest thing in our report is that the US Navy has proceeded with construction of the first ship without completing the design,” said Shelby Oakley, director, contracting & national security acquisitions at the GAO.
When the US Navy planned the acquisition of the guided missile frigates, it hoped to deliver the ships faster than other classes that had recently entered service. To reduce the risk of design and technology problems, it chose to use technology that had already been proven on other ships. The design itself is based on that of a European frigate.
“However,” the GAO said, “the Navy undercut this approach by starting construction on the first frigate before finishing its design. Due to this and ongoing design challenges, construction on the first ship is at a standstill.”
