In a significant move to reshape its surface fleet, Navy Secretary John Phelan today announced the service will pursue a new frigate class based on HII’s venerable Legend-class national security cutter. This decision marks a pivotal moment for naval modernization, following the recent cancellation of the Constellation-class frigate program. The ambitious goal is to have the first of these new frigates in the water by 2028.
A Swift Course Correction: Replacing the Canceled Frigate Program
The announcement confirms earlier reports hinting at the Navy’s consideration of HII’s proven design. Speaking in a video posted on social media, Secretary Phelan declared, “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 us interests at home and abroad.” This directive sets the stage for a rapid acquisition process, leveraging an existing, operational platform to meet urgent fleet requirements.
Anchoring the „Golden Fleet” Concept
This new frigate design is poised to be a cornerstone of the administration’s nascent „Golden Fleet” concept. While details remain sparse, the overarching vision calls for a strategic rebalancing of naval assets. This involves a greater emphasis on larger numbers of smaller surface combatants and unmanned vessels, complemented by a select number of more heavily armored, “up-gunned battleships.” The Legend-class-based frigate, with its proven capabilities, appears perfectly aligned with the need for agile and effective small surface combatants.
Addressing an Undeniable Operational Imperative
Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Daryl Caudle underscored the critical need for this new frigate, citing recent global operations. “Recent operations from the Red Sea to the Caribbean make the [frigate] requirement undeniable,” Adm. Caudle stated in the same video. He elaborated on the current shortfall: “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.” The adoption of a readily available design is thus seen as a pragmatic solution to an pressing operational deficiency.
Proven Design, Accelerated Production Pathway
The selection of the Legend-class national security cutter as the foundation for the new frigate is driven by its operational maturity and established production lines. Secretary Phelan designated HII as the program’s lead yard, with plans to initiate a competition to engage additional shipyards for construction.
Adm. Caudle reinforced the strategy: “Like the Medium Landing Ship, leveraging a complete design and production baseline approach will allow the Navy and shipbuilders to reduce costs, schedule and technical risk. We know this frigate design works. We know it operates with the fleet, and most importantly, we know how to build it now.”
HII, for its part, quickly affirmed its commitment. In a statement, Chris Kastner, HII president and CEO, confirmed the ships would be built at its Mississippi-based Ingalls Shipbuilding yard. “Speed matters, and the NSC ship design is stable and produceable and will lead to predictable schedules,” Kastner stated, expressing confidence in his team to execute the program and expand the U.S. shipbuilding industrial base to meet the Navy’s evolving needs.
