Frigate
Constellation-class frigate (FFG-62)
The Constellation-class (FFG-62) is a US Navy guided-missile frigate built by Fincantieri Marinette Marine in Wisconsin, based on the Italian FREMM design. The programme was cut back to two ships in 2025, and no ship has yet entered service.
United States|Fincantieri Marinette MarineOverview
The US Navy awarded the Constellation-class contract in April 2020 to Fincantieri Marinette Marine. The lead ship, Constellation (FFG-62), was laid down in 2022 and launched in 2024. The design is based on the FREMM frigate, but about 85% of it was changed. It displaces about 7,291 t at full load, is 151.2 m long, and has CODLOG propulsion with a gas turbine and electric motors giving 26+ knots and a range of 6,000 nm.
The ships carry the AN/SPY-6(V)3 radar, the Aegis Baseline 10 combat system, 32 Mk 41 VLS cells and 16 Naval Strike Missiles, plus an MH-60R helicopter and MQ-8C drones. Delivery of the lead ship has slipped to around 2027–2029 from the original 2026 target. In November 2025 the Navy announced the cancellation of the last four of six contracted hulls, leaving Constellation and Congress. Cost is about $1 billion per hull with overruns; the Navy has turned to a new FF(X) concept.
Key Specifications
Variants
FFG-62 Constellation is the lead ship, launched in 2024, with delivery now expected around 2027–2029.
FFG-63 Congress is the second ship of the class, and one of the two hulls that remain under contract.
The cancelled hulls refers to the last four of six contracted ships, which the US Navy dropped in November 2025.
Operators
United StatesFrequently Asked Questions
Is the Constellation-class frigate cancelled?
The Constellation-class is largely cancelled. In November 2025 the US Navy cancelled the last four of six contracted hulls, leaving Constellation (FFG-62) and Congress (FFG-63). The latest status should be checked.
How many Constellation-class frigates will be built?
Two Constellation-class frigates are confirmed under contract: Constellation and Congress. The Navy originally planned 20 ships, before cancelling the last four of six contracted hulls in November 2025.
When will the Constellation-class enter service?
The Constellation-class lead ship is now expected around 2027–2029. It was originally due in 2026. The programme has been heavily delayed, with about 85% of the FREMM parent design changed.
What weapons does the Constellation-class have?
The Constellation-class has 32 Mk 41 VLS cells, 16 Naval Strike Missiles, a 57 mm Mk 110 gun and a Mk 49 RAM launcher. It also carries an MH-60R helicopter and MQ-8C drones.
How much does the Constellation-class cost?
The Constellation-class costs about $1 billion per hull, with overruns. The Congressional Budget Office has estimated a much higher figure, according to reports. These numbers are subject to change.
Constellation-class vs Type 26: which is better?
The Constellation-class has the SPY-6(V)3 radar and 16 Naval Strike Missiles, while the British Type 26 is a larger anti-submarine frigate already under construction. No Constellation-class ship is in service yet.