The U.S. Navy announced plans to develop a new frigate class based on the HII (Huntington Ingalls Industries) Legend-class national security cutter, which was initially designed for the U.S. Coast Guard. During a recent event, Navy Secretary John Phelan confirmed that this initiative will replace the previously canceled Constellation-class frigate program. The Navy aims to have the new frigate operational by 2028, as stated by Jason Potter, the Navy’s acting acquisition executive.
Phelan emphasized the decision to leverage the proven design of the Legend-class cutter, noting its effectiveness in safeguarding U.S. interests domestically and internationally. “I have directed the acquisition of a new frigate class based on HII’s Legend-class national security cutter design,” Phelan stated in a video shared on social media. He added that this new ship would be part of the administration’s “Golden Fleet” concept.
Strategic Shift in Naval Operations
The “Golden Fleet” concept seeks to enhance the Navy’s capabilities by incorporating a larger number of small surface combatants and unmanned vessels, alongside a select few heavily armored ships. Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Daryl Caude highlighted the increasing demand for frigates, citing recent operations from the Red Sea to the Caribbean. “Our small surface combatant inventory is a third of what we need,” he said. “We need more capable blue water small combatants to close the gap and keep our destroyers focused on the high-end fight.”
While HII has been named the lead shipyard for the project, the Navy plans to conduct a competition to identify additional yards that can contribute to the construction. This approach aims to reduce costs and mitigate technical risks associated with shipbuilding.
Phelan remarked on the Navy’s strategy, stating, “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.”
Commitment to Efficient Shipbuilding
In a statement following the Navy’s announcement, HII reaffirmed that the new frigates will be constructed at its yard in Mississippi, specifically at Ingalls Shipbuilding. “We look forward to supporting the Navy on this critical program,” said Chris Kastner, HII president and CEO. He emphasized the importance of speed in ship production, noting that the NSC design is stable and can lead to predictable schedules.
Kastner expressed confidence in the Ingalls team’s ability to execute this program effectively, alongside ongoing efforts to enhance the U.S. shipbuilding industrial base to meet the Navy’s operational needs. The announcement marks a significant step in the Navy’s strategy to modernize its fleet and ensure readiness for future maritime challenges.
