**No new orders** for the Constellation-class (FFG-62) missile frigates are planned in the US Navy’s FY2026 budget for the next fiscal year, **but the construction of the six ships that have already been funded is confirmed,** with activities extending **at least until 2034**.
The FY2026 request focuses **exclusively on completing funding for units already under construction** and absorbing additional costs accumulated in previous years.
#### Constellation Class
The _Constellation_ class, also known as FFG-62, was conceived to bridge the operational gap **between the LCS (_Littoral Combat Ship_) units, criticized for their vulnerability and limited mission autonomy, and the heavier and energy-consuming destroyers of the Arleigh Burke class.** These are next-generation multi-role frigates, designed to be lethal, versatile, and capable of operating effectively in high-intensity contexts, without forsaking long-term reliability and sustainability.
With a length of about 151 meters and a displacement over 7,400 tons, these units represent **the future of the American Navy in the _”small surface combatant”_ segment,** thanks to a combination of advanced sensors, modern weapon systems, and multi-domain capabilities.
#### FY2026 Perspective
even though no new frigates will be ordered in FY2026, the budget nonetheless assigns **over $633 million** to the program. This figure is primarily intended to cover **the additional costs accumulated in previous constructions** and **ensure the completion of the ships already under construction,** particularly those funded between 2020 and 2024.
A significant share of this sum – **$400 million** – is specifically dedicated to **_Request for Equitable Adjustment_** (REA), a contractual practice that allows cost renegotiation following unforeseen changes in production conditions, such as inflation, industrial difficulties, or supply chain delays.
#### State of construction
The first **six class units are currently in various stages of development at the Fincantieri Marinette Marine shipyard** in Wisconsin.
The first, FFG-62, began construction in 2022 and is expected to be **delivered in 2029,** followed by FFG-63 in **2030,** FFG-64 in **2031,** and so on, with the last – for now – scheduled for **2033.**
| **Unit** | **Name** | **Construction Start** | **Expected Delivery** | **End of Setup** |
| ——— | ——————— | ———————- | ——————— | ——————— |
| FFG‑62 | **USS Constellation** | September 2022 | April 2029 | March 2030 |
| FFG‑63 | **USS Congress** | September 2025 | January 2030 | October 2030 |
| FFG‑64 | **USS Chesapeake** | September 2026 | January 2031 | August 2031 |
| FFG‑65 | **USS Lafayette** | September 2027 | January 2032 | August 2032 |
| FFG‑66 | **USS Hamilton** | March 2028 | January 2033 | August 2033 |
| FFG‑67 | **USS Elliot** | May 2029 | September 2033 | April 2034 |
#### Technology and Power
Each _Constellation_ class ship will be equipped with **a cutting-edge combat architecture** that is funded for all six units currently under construction included in the FY2026.
Among the most relevant funded systems:
– **Enterprise Air Surveillance Radar (EASR)** for long-range air defense:
– **AEGIS Baseline with CEC** for integration into multi-domain networks;
– **CAPTAS-4 and SQQ-89(V)16 sonars** for anti-submarine warfare;
– **Tactical COMINT Spectral** for electronic interception;
– **SEWIP Block II (SLQ-32V6) electronic warfare systems**;
– **32-cell MK 41 Vertical Launch System**;
– **21-cell RAM and 57mm MK 48 Gun Weapon System**;
– **CANES, NIXIE, SABER NAV and PBD** for cybersecurity, situational awareness and cyber defense.
#### A Pause for Reflection?
The fact that the Navy has chosen to suspend orders for six frigates compared to the ten budgeted can be read in several ways. On one hand, it’s **a technical and administrative decision** aimed at stabilizing costs, absorbing accumulated delays, and ensuring the full industrial maturity of the program before costs become too high. On the other hand, it provides a useful window for considering **possible improvements or variations to apply to future ships of the class.**
Overall, the _Constellation_ class remains central in the naval strategy of the United States, especially **in a globally increasingly competitive maritime scenario.** If orders resume in FY2027, we may witness a more solid production ramp, built on finally stable foundations, alignment on the final design and an increase in the production capacity of the shipyards.
#### New Leadership
Two key moves in the governance of Fincantieri Marine Group and its American subsidiary Marinette Marine further strengthen the Constellation program. On July 1, 2025, **George Moutafis became CEO of Fincantieri Marine Group,** bringing over 25 years of experience in the defense sector, strategic planning, and industrial restructuring, gained in roles such as COO of Beretta Usa Corp. and a former collaborator with Fincantieri in the United States.
At the same time, **Jan Allman has returned to leading Marinette Marine,** having already been the CEO from 2014 to 2021 and the engineer of the acquisition of the Constellation frigate contract. Allman took the helm in March 2025, supporting the transition from LCS modernization to the production of the new frigates, with a focus on construction quality and operational sustainability.
**Fincantieri is determined to ensure its capabilities in the military sector** also due to the recent announcements of production line expansion for the Military Ships sector both in the North, third launching line at Riva Trigoso, and in the South with the hybridization of the shipyards in Palermo and Castellammare di Stabia.
