The U.S. Navy has announced the development of a new frigate class based on the Legend-class national security cutter, a vessel originally designed for the U.S. Coast Guard. This decision, revealed by Navy Secretary John Phelan, comes in the wake of the cancellation of the Constellation-class frigate program and aims to enhance the Navy’s operational capabilities.
During a recent event, Phelan shared insights indicating that the Navy’s new ship would be operational by 2028. He emphasized the importance of utilizing a proven design to ensure reliability and effectiveness. “I have directed the acquisition of a new frigate class based on HII’s Legend-class national security cutter design, a proven American built ship that has been protecting our interests at home and abroad,” Phelan stated in a video posted on social media.
Strategic Shift in Naval Fleet Composition
The new frigate will play a significant role in the administration’s “Golden Fleet” initiative. While details remain sparse, the concept aims to rebalance the Navy’s fleet by increasing the number of small surface combatants and unmanned vessels, while also incorporating more heavily armored ships.
Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Daryl Caude highlighted the urgent need for these vessels. He noted, “Recent operations from the Red Sea to the Caribbean make the [frigate] requirement undeniable. Our small surface combatant inventory is a third of what we need. We need more capable blue water small combatants to close the gap and keep our [destroyers] focused on the high-end fight.”
Phelan confirmed that HII will serve as the lead shipyard for this program. The Navy plans to hold a competition to select additional shipyards for the construction process. This approach aims to manage costs, scheduling, and technical risks effectively.
Commitment to Efficiency and Reliability
The Chief of Naval Operations expressed confidence in leveraging a complete design and production baseline approach. “We know this frigate design works. We know it operates with the fleet, and most importantly, we know how to build it now,” Caude stated.
Following the Navy’s announcement, HII expressed its eagerness to contribute to this critical program. In a statement, Chris Kastner, HII president and CEO, remarked, “Speed matters, and the NSC ship design is stable and producible and will lead to predictable schedules. I have great confidence in the Ingalls team to execute this program.”
Construction of the new frigate class will take place at HII’s Ingalls Shipbuilding facility in Mississippi. The Navy’s initiative marks a significant step towards enhancing maritime security and operational readiness, reflecting a strategic investment in the future of the U.S. naval fleet.
