The former U.S. President Donald Trump has raised concerns about delays and cost overruns in the U.S. Navy’s frigate-building program. His comments highlight the challenges the Navy faces in modernising its fleet amid competition with China.
The Constellation-Class Frigates
The U.S. Navy’s Constellation-class frigates are the latest addition to its fleet. These warships are designed to protect other vessels from threats in the air, on land, and underwater. They are smaller than destroyers but play a similar role.
The Constellation-class project began in 2020, with an Italian shipbuilder awarded the contract. The Navy planned to purchase at least 20 of these frigates at a cost of $22 billion. However, the program has faced delays and growing expenses due to design changes and construction challenges.
Delays and Rising Costs
The frigate program has encountered significant problems. The Navy altered the original design to make space for additional weapons and a larger generator. These changes caused the ships to gain weight and required further adjustments.
Construction began on the first ship in 2022 before finalizing the design. This decision led to more delays as modifications had to be made during the building process.
Initially, each frigate was estimated to cost $1.2 billion. However, costs have since increased by 40%, with each ship now expected to cost $1.6 billion. The delivery of the first frigate, USS Constellation, originally planned for 2026, is now delayed by three years.
U.S. Navy’s Struggle to Keep Up
The U.S. Navy is trying to replace its aging fleet while maintaining its global dominance. However, it faces significant challenges. It has only a few shipyards and is dealing with labor shortages and supply chain issues.
Meanwhile, China is rapidly expanding its navy. It has the largest navy in the world, with over 370 ships and submarines. China builds ships at an impressive pace, launching a new vessel every four days.
This puts pressure on the U.S. to speed up its shipbuilding process and find ways to reduce costs. Trump has suggested that involving allies in shipbuilding could be a solution to these problems.
The Role of Frigates
Frigates are essential for maintaining a naval presence in key regions like the Indo-Pacific. They are cost-effective and can handle low-intensity missions. These ships are expected to play a vital role in patrolling areas such as the South China Sea and the Taiwan Strait.
Their smaller size and flexibility make them ideal for operations that do not require larger and more expensive destroyers. The frigates are also expected to enhance anti-submarine warfare capabilities, making it harder for adversaries to operate in contested waters.
Trump’s Vision for Cost Efficiency
Trump has criticized the inefficiency in the Navy’s shipbuilding programs. He has pledged to oversee a more cost-effective approach. This includes using existing designs, cooperating with allies, and streamlining construction processes.
He has also proposed increasing the number of shipyards and involving international partners to speed up production. By doing so, the U.S. can build more ships in less time and at a lower cost.
The Future of U.S. Naval Strength
The U.S. Navy must act quickly to address its challenges. Building smaller ships like frigates could be a faster and cheaper way to expand its fleet. However, shipbuilding is a complex and lengthy process, requiring careful planning and execution.
The Navy’s success in modernizing its fleet will depend on its ability to manage costs and avoid delays. With rising competition from China, the U.S. must ensure its naval forces remain strong and ready to respond to any threats.
Future Outlook
The Constellation-class frigate program highlights the difficulties of modern naval shipbuilding. As the U.S. works to maintain its global dominance, improving efficiency and collaboration with allies could be key to overcoming these challenges. The Navy’s efforts to modernise its fleet will play a crucial role in securing its position in Indo Pacific and on the world stage.