US Navy orders 2 additional Constellation class frigates from Fincantieri Marinette Marine.

According to information published by Fincantieri Marinette Marine on May 24, 2024, the Department of Defense has awarded Fincantieri Marinette Marine (FMM) a contract worth $1.04 billion to construct two additional Constellation-class frigates, designated FFG 66 and FFG 67. 
Follow Army Recognition on Google News at this link

Artist rendering of the Constellation class frigate USS Constellation. (Picture source: Fincantieri Marinette Marine)

This announcement follows the company's initial contract for the lead ship of the Constellation-class, awarded in April 2020, and the subsequent exercise of five options for additional vessels by the Navy.

Currently, the lead ship, the future USS Constellation (FFG 62), is under construction at FMM's upgraded shipyard in Wisconsin. With five ships slated for construction and options for four more, Fincantieri's workload is set to remain substantial.

About the program

The Constellation-class frigate program, initiated by the U.S. Navy, aims to deliver a new generation of guided-missile frigates that will enhance the Navy's surface combatant fleet. The program was launched in response to the challenges faced by the Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) program, including issues with survivability, armament, and cost overruns. These frigates are designed to be versatile, multi-mission warships capable of operating in both blue-water and littoral environments​.

The design of the Constellation-class ships is based on the Italian FREMM (European Multi-Mission Frigate) design, heavily modified to meet U.S. Navy standards. This includes enhanced survivability and more advanced systems. The first ship, USS Constellation (FFG-62), began construction in 2022 and faced several delays due to workforce shortages and the complexity of integrating new technologies.

Fincantieri Marinette Marine, the contractor responsible for building these frigates, has encountered significant challenges in hiring skilled labor, which has contributed to the delays. The Navy has allocated funds to provide bonuses to retain workers and address these workforce issues.

One of the features of the Constellation-class is the incorporation of advanced sustainment technology. This includes a mission-readiness sustainment system designed to predict maintenance needs and ensure the ships are fully operational during deployments. This system is likened to a car's onboard diagnostics, providing real-time updates on the status of various components​.