Constellation-class Frigate

The Constellation-class is a new multi-mission guided-missile frigate being built at Fincantieri's Marinette Marine yard in Wisconsin, based on the Italian FREMM design. Each ship carries 32 Mk 41 VLS cells, an Enterprise Air Surveillance Radar, and eight NSM anti-ship missiles.

The class is intended to absorb many lower-end missions now performed by destroyers while also serving as a numerically large surface presence force. Lead ship USS Constellation is expected to deliver later in the decade.

The program has seen schedule slippage and design changes post-contract award, leading to congressional and Navy reassessments of scope and delivery timeline.

Related Systems