Navy Unveils New Frigate Class, Partners with HII for Construction

The U.S. Navy has announced plans to develop a new frigate class based on the design of HII’s Legend-class national security cutter, originally constructed for the U.S. Coast Guard. Navy Secretary John Phelan made this announcement during a press event on [date], highlighting a strategic shift in naval operations as the service seeks to replace the now-canceled Constellation-class frigate program.

During a private dinner last week, Phelan indicated that the Navy was evaluating HII’s ship design, a decision corroborated by Jason Potter, the Navy’s acting acquisition executive, who stated that the aim is to have the new frigate operational by 2028. “I have directed the acquisition of a new frigate class based on HII’s Legend-class design, a proven American-built ship that has been protecting our interests at home and abroad,” Phelan remarked in a video shared on social media.

Strategic Goals and Fleet Composition

The new frigate will align with the administration’s vision for a “Golden Fleet,” which seeks to enhance the Navy’s capabilities with an increased number of small surface combatants and unmanned vessels, complemented by a selection of heavily armored, upgraded warships.

“Our recent operations from the Red Sea to the Caribbean make the [frigate] requirement undeniable,” stated Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Daryl Caude in the same video. He emphasized that the current inventory of small surface combatants is only one-third of the Navy’s needs, underscoring the necessity for more capable blue-water vessels to maintain focus on high-priority engagements.

Phelan confirmed that HII would serve as the lead shipyard for the program, while also announcing that a competition will be conducted to select additional shipyards for construction. This approach aims to enhance efficiency and innovation in the building process.

Cost-Effective Production and Future Prospects

Adm. Caude noted, “Like the Medium Landing Ship, leveraging a complete design and production baseline approach will allow the Navy and shipbuilders to reduce costs, schedule, and technical risk. We know this frigate design works. We know it operates with the fleet, and most importantly, we know how to build it now.”

In response to the announcement, HII expressed its commitment to the project. Chris Kastner, HII president and CEO, stated, “We look forward to supporting the Navy on this critical program. Speed matters, and the NSC ship design is stable and producible, which will lead to predictable schedules.” He expressed confidence in the team at Ingalls Shipbuilding, located in Mississippi, to deliver on this program and emphasized the importance of expanding the U.S. shipbuilding industrial base to meet the Navy’s evolving requirements.

The initiation of this new frigate class represents a significant step in modernizing the Navy’s fleet and addressing contemporary maritime challenges. As the project progresses, stakeholders will be keen to see how this initiative impacts U.S. naval capabilities and its strategic posture in various global theaters.