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Marinette Today
By the People, for the People
U.S. Navy Shifts Frigate Philosophy with FF(X) Design
The new FF(X) frigate prioritizes speed, affordability, and production stability over the high-end capabilities of the canceled Constellation-class.
Feb. 1, 2026 at 7:55pm
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The U.S. Navy is drawing a clear distinction between two different 'frigate' concepts. The canceled Constellation-class was envisioned as a high-end escort ship with advanced Aegis radar, vertical launch systems, and integration into carrier strike groups. In contrast, the new FF(X) frigate is being designed for speed, affordability, and production stability, adapting the proven U.S. Coast Guard Legend-class hull. The FF(X)'s baseline armament emphasizes self-defense and modular payload space rather than the robust strike and air defense capabilities of the Constellation-class.
Why it matters
This shift reflects a deliberate philosophical change in the Navy's frigate strategy, moving away from a single highly capable but expensive multimission ship towards a more distributed force with adaptable mission modules. The FF(X) is intended to operate alongside unmanned assets, freeing up higher-end assets for contested operations.
The details
The Constellation-class encountered design and cost challenges, leading the Navy to adopt the proven U.S. Coast Guard Legend-class hull as the basis for the new FF(X) frigate. With a smaller displacement around 4,600-4,750 tons, the FF(X) will focus on presence, patrol, and self-defense missions rather than the broad strike and air defense roles of the Constellation-class. The FF(X)'s armament will include a 57mm main gun, 30mm auxiliary gun, a Mk-49 launcher with 21 Rolling Airframe Missiles, and payload space for weapons like Naval Strike Missiles and Hellfires.
- The FF(X) program was initiated in late 2025 and early 2026 in response to delays and rising costs in the Constellation-class effort.
The players
U.S. Navy
The naval warfare service branch of the United States Armed Forces.
Constellation-class
A canceled U.S. Navy frigate concept that was envisioned as a high-end escort ship with advanced Aegis radar, vertical launch systems, and integration into carrier strike groups.
FF(X)
The U.S. Navy's new frigate design that prioritizes speed, affordability, and production stability by adapting the proven U.S. Coast Guard Legend-class hull.
What’s next
The Navy may add vertical launch systems (VLS) to the FF(X) in an effort to combine some heavy firepower into the smaller, faster ship design.
The takeaway
The Navy's shift from the Constellation-class to the FF(X) reflects a strategic move towards a more distributed and adaptable frigate force, prioritizing speed, affordability, and modular capabilities over the high-end combat power of the canceled Constellation concept.
