The US Navy is facing a significant setback in its shipbuilding strategy. On Tuesday, Navy Secretary John Phelan announced the cancellation of plans for the Constellation-class frigate program. This decision comes amidst growing challenges posed by China’s expanding naval capabilities.
Details on the Constellation-Class Frigate Cancellation
Originally envisioned as a crucial part of the US Navy’s fleet modernization, the Constellation-class frigates were intended to enhance readiness and combat capabilities. However, Secretary Phelan criticized the program, stating it lacked value for investment. In a social media post, he mentioned, “I won’t spend a dollar if it doesn’t strengthen readiness or our ability to win.”
Shift in Naval Strategy
The cancellation signals a strategic shift in how the US Navy plans to approach shipbuilding. A senior defense official emphasized the necessity for a more accelerated construction of naval vessels to address future threats.
- The US Navy is aiming to construct ships that meet urgent operational needs faster and in larger numbers.
- A senior US defense official noted the Navy must adapt to “tomorrow’s threats” by re-evaluating its fleet composition.
- The need for more robust naval capabilities comes as the People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) is set to operate approximately 400 ships by year-end.
Performance and Budget Concerns
The Constellation-class frigate was designed as a multi-mission vessel, capable of functioning across various maritime environments. However, the program faced significant challenges:
- Estimated costs skyrocketed to about $1.1 billion per ship.
- Originally planned for a fleet of 20 ships, the program struggled with delays and modifications.
- Initial projected delivery of the USS Constellation has been pushed back from 2026 to 2029.
These issues raise concerns about the program’s viability and effectiveness in modern naval warfare scenarios.
Long-term Implications for the Navy
The cancellation of the Constellation-class frigate program has drawn comparisons to previous troubled naval initiatives. Analysts have criticized past programs, such as the Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) project, for being costly and underperforming.
- The LCS program has been described as one of the military’s most significant failures, with total costs potentially reaching $100 billion.
- The US fleet currently consists of approximately 240 ships, significantly lagging behind China’s naval capabilities.
Secretary Phelan acknowledged the need to preserve shipbuilding capabilities across American shipyards. Despite the setbacks, he reaffirmed the importance of ensuring operational readiness and workforce stability.
Future Directions for US Naval Shipbuilding
While the fate of the two Constellation-class ships, including the USS Congress, remains uncertain, there is emphasis on maintaining a robust shipbuilding industry. This approach seeks to keep shipyards operational while refocusing the Navy’s strategy.
As the Navy adapts its shipbuilding efforts, cooperation with domestic and potentially international shipyards may become essential. These changes are aimed at addressing both current deficiencies and future maritime threats more effectively.
