Shipbuilder Behind Failed Constellation Class Wants Back Into The U.S. Navy Frigate Business

Key Points:

• Fincantieri Marine Group is exploring a renewed opportunity to offer its FREMM EVO frigate design to the U.S. Navy's new small surface combatant program, following the cancellation of the Constellation class frigate which was based on the earlier FREMM design.
• The FREMM EVO is an in-production, evolved version of the FREMM frigate featuring advanced capabilities such as the Leonardo Kronos Dual-Band Radar, enhanced anti-ballistic missile defense, improved electronic warfare, and a dedicated counter-drone suite.
• Fincantieri has invested in U.S. shipyard infrastructure and supply chains, particularly at Marinette Marine in Wisconsin, aiming to leverage these assets to support domestic construction of FREMM EVO frigates and avoid past design change issues that led to Constellation's cancellation.
• The U.S. Navy is currently studying multiple foreign frigate designs—including those from Japan, South Korea, and Turkey—as part of a broader effort to rapidly field capable small surface combatants, with a decision expected after the study concludes next month.
• Congressional concerns about foreign shipbuilding and the Navy’s ongoing FF(X) program complicate the potential for new foreign-derived frigates, but the Navy acknowledges the need for smaller combatants to complement larger destroyers and is open to evaluating all options.