Navy Unveils New Frigate Class with HII’s Proven Design

The U.S. Navy has announced plans to develop a new frigate class based on the Legend-class national security cutter design, previously constructed for the U.S. Coast Guard. Navy Secretary John Phelan made the announcement today, indicating a strategic move to replace the canceled Constellation-class frigate program. This decision aligns with the Navy’s broader aim to enhance its fleet capabilities.

Strategic Shift in Naval Operations

During a video message shared on social media, Phelan emphasized that the new frigate will be integral to the administration’s “Golden Fleet” initiative. This concept seeks to transform the Navy’s operational approach by integrating a larger number of small surface combatants and unmanned vessels, alongside a select group of heavily armored ships. “I have directed the acquisition of a new frigate class based on HII’s Legend-class national security cutter design,” Phelan stated. “This is a proven American-built ship that has been protecting our interests at home and abroad.”

Acting acquisition executive Jason Potter confirmed that the Navy aims to have the new ship operational by 2028. This timeline was reiterated by Phelan, underscoring the urgency of the project.

“Recent operations from the Red Sea to the Caribbean make the [frigate] requirement undeniable,” said Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Daryl Caude. “Our small surface combatant inventory is a third of what we need.”

Adm. Caude highlighted the necessity for more capable blue water small combatants to ensure that destroyers can focus on high-end threats. The Navy’s current small surface combatant fleet is insufficient to meet operational demands.

Partnership with HII and Future Construction Plans

Phelan confirmed that Huntington Ingalls Industries (HII) will serve as the lead shipyard for this program. However, the Navy plans to conduct a competition to identify additional shipyards for construction. This strategy is expected to optimize resources and enhance efficiency in the building process.

“Like the Medium Landing Ship, leveraging a complete design and production baseline approach will allow the Navy and shipbuilders to reduce costs, schedules, and technical risks,” Phelan explained. He expressed confidence in the established design, stating, “We know this frigate design works. We know it operates with the fleet, and most importantly, we know how to build it now.”

Following the announcement, HII released a statement indicating that the new ships will be constructed at its facility in Mississippi, specifically at Ingalls Shipbuilding. HII president and CEO Chris Kastner expressed enthusiasm for the project, remarking, “Speed matters, and the NSC ship design is stable and producible and will lead to predictable schedules.” He conveyed confidence in the Ingalls team’s ability to execute this critical program and emphasized the importance of expanding the U.S. shipbuilding industrial base to meet the Navy’s evolving needs.

This development marks a significant step for the Navy as it seeks to modernize its fleet, ensuring readiness for future maritime challenges while enhancing national security. The commitment to a new frigate class represents a proactive approach in addressing emerging threats and operational requirements.