Daijiworld Media Network - Washington

Washington, Nov 26: In a significant setback to America’s naval ambitions, the US Navy has called off plans to procure Constellation-class frigates, a project once considered vital to counter China’s rapidly expanding maritime power. Navy Secretary John Phelan confirmed the decision on Tuesday, stating that the multibillion-dollar venture had failed to justify the massive investment it demanded.

Phelan, in a strongly worded message on social media, said he would not allow spending on programs that do not enhance the Navy’s readiness or warfighting capability. He stressed that the service was restructuring its shipbuilding approach to deliver platforms that offer clear tactical advantage — a shift that begins with dropping the troubled frigate program.

The Navy had initially planned to build 20 of the next-generation ships, with six already under contract to Fincantieri Marine Group. Marketed as agile, multi-mission surface combatants, the frigates were expected to bridge the gap between the fleet’s powerful Arleigh Burke-class destroyers and the smaller littoral combat ships. But extensive design changes, inflated costs, and significant construction delays pushed the project far off schedule. Delivery of the lead vessel, USS Constellation, originally planned for 2026, has already slipped to 2029.

The setback comes at a time when China continues to widen its naval edge. Pentagon assessments indicate the People’s Liberation Army Navy is poised to field nearly 400 ships by year-end, including around 50 frigates. In contrast, the US fleet stands at about 240 vessels — a disparity experts warn could prove crucial in any future maritime confrontation.

Defence analysts have largely welcomed the cancellation, calling the program unrealistic and poorly aligned with modern operational demands. Critics say the frigate lacked adequate protection against today’s threats, including drones, missiles, and fast-moving attack craft. Many likened the troubled effort to earlier miscalculations such as the littoral combat ships and the scaled-down Zumwalt-class destroyers, both of which became emblematic of spiraling costs and underperformance.

Despite the decision, construction of the first two Constellation-class vessels — USS Constellation and USS Congress — will continue for now. Their eventual deployment role, however, remains uncertain as the Navy reassesses its long-term shipbuilding priorities. Fincantieri Marine Group has assured that its workforce will be shifted to other naval projects to maintain shipyard continuity.

Phelan emphasized the need to preserve America’s shipbuilding base even as the Navy struggles with widespread program delays and budget overruns. With rising global tensions and China’s rapid military modernization, the pressure on Washington to modernize and expand its fleet has never been more urgent.