A few months after the cancellation of the troubled Constellation-class frigate program became public, the U.S. Navy revealed that it has managed to reallocate funding toward the program that will replace it going forward: the new Legend-class ships. As reflected in FY2026 appropriations, the service would now have an additional $242 million for the new program thanks to this move, funds made available by terminating construction of the last four frigates that were to be built by Fincantieri Marinette Marine.
Speaking to U.S. specialized outlets, a Navy spokesperson stated: “The Administration requested an increase in funding in the final FY2026 defense appropriations bill to accelerate the design and construction of the FF(X), which was supported. Funding for the construction of ships FFG-62 and FFG-63 was not affected, and construction of these ships continues. They remain under review.” It is worth recalling in this regard that the shipbuilder had already begun building the first two units of the class, which will bear the names USS Constellation (FFG-62) and USS Congress (FFG-63).
On the other hand, from Huntington Ingalls Industries (HII) there have already been numerous indications that construction of the first two Legend-class ships will begin soon—something CEO Chris Kastner has also confirmed. However, the U.S. Navy intends to conduct a formal competitive process for the construction of the remaining ships that will make up the class, so it remains unknown which shipyard (or shipyards) will ultimately be selected for the work. Under current estimates, the Pentagon would provide greater clarity when the FY2027 budget is released.
It is also useful to note that, looking ahead to the composition of the class, current U.S. Navy plans would aim to have the first Legend-class ship delivered before the end of President Donald Trump’s current term, meaning 2028 as the latest date. This helps explain why HII has already been given the green light to move forward with the first two ships, even before the aforementioned competitive process takes place.
Briefly recalling some of the characteristics of these new ships—of which up to 70 are intended—one can note that they have a length of about 127.5 meters and a beam of about 16.5 meters, accommodating the roughly 4,500 tons each displaces. The ships are also known to be capable of speeds up to 28 knots and ranges of up to 12,000 nautical miles. In terms of armament, however, it is not yet known which systems will be installed on the platform; one possibility is the addition of Mk 70 Typhon vertical launchers in an adapted version. This raises questions about the ship’s true firepower and its eventual role, which at present appears oriented toward lower-intensity operations.
Finally, it should be noted that this reallocation of funds from one program to another would not be the only measure linked to the cancellation of the Constellation class. Specifically, this refers to the allocation of up to $800 million to boost construction of future landing ships for the U.S. Navy, based on the LST-100 design from the Dutch shipbuilder Damen. The intent behind this, as stated in the new legislation, is to provide Bollinger Shipyards with reinforcement to consolidate its industrial capabilities impacted by the aforementioned cancellation.
Images used for illustrative purposes.
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