The U.S. Navy is cutting back its orders for a new class of guided-missile frigate that’s been beset by delays, shifting away from a vessel that President Donald Trump once touted as “the most beautiful.”
The Navy is reducing its orders for the Constellation-class frigate to two from six, and even those two will remain under review, Navy Secretary John Phelan said in a statement. He said the decision was part of a new emphasis on speedy fleet expansion, and that funds designated for the shops will be “put toward future Navy needs.”
The decision is a blow to Trieste, Italy-based Fincantieri SpA, whose Wisconsin-based subsidiary had been contracted to build the frigates. The company “will be involved” in the Navy’s plans, Phelan said. About $2.5 billion has been spent to date, the Navy said in a separate statement.
