Navy Explored Foreign Designs for New Frigate Program
The U.S. Navy is evaluating international ship designs under a new White House directive for small surface combatants.
Updated on Sept. 27, 2026 in Military
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The U.S. Navy has cancelled the Constellation-class guided-missile frigate program and is now assessing foreign ship designs. This shift follows an August 2026 White House mandate to apply a construction strategy known as the Finland Model.
Why it matters
The Navy is conducting this review to determine if utilizing foreign designs and initial overseas hull production can accelerate the acquisition of a new small surface combatant. This process marks a significant pivot in domestic shipbuilding policy for the maritime service.
The Navy is operating under a 90-day review mandate to evaluate international designs, including those from Japan and South Korea. This follows a $282 million contract for long-lead items issued in April 2026.
The players
U.S. Navy
This is the branch of the United States Armed Forces responsible for naval warfare and the maintenance of the country's surface combatant fleet.
White House
This entity serves as the executive office of the President of the United States and sets federal policy directives.
HII Ingalls
This major American shipbuilding company designs, builds, and maintains advanced surface combatants for the U.S. military.
Fincantieri Marinette Marine
This shipyard is an American subsidiary of the global shipbuilding group Fincantieri and a primary contractor for various naval vessels.
The details
The Finland Model requires building hulls abroad before transitioning construction to the United States. While the Navy considers international options, HII Ingalls has already successfully passed a critical design review for its FF(X) Flight I patrol frigate, and Fincantieri Marinette Marine remains prepared to offer an export variant of the FREMM frigate.
Timeline
In April 2026, the Navy awarded a $282 million contract for long-lead items.
The White House issued a construction mandate in August 2026.
The Navy confirmed the status of frigate programs in September 2026.
The official assessment of foreign designs is due by November 12, 2026.
Political Context
Critics of the move toward foreign-designed vessels express concern regarding the erosion of the American industrial base and the loss of domestic manufacturing capacity. This opposition party stance emphasizes the necessity of maintaining indigenous supply chains to ensure long-term national security.
The cancellation of the Constellation-class program and the pivot toward international designs could shift federal spending and affect regional shipbuilding employment in the United States. Taxpayers and defense industry observers should monitor how these procurement changes impact long-term budget allocations and domestic manufacturing goals.
The takeaway
The Navy is testing an experimental acquisition model that prioritizes international collaboration to solve domestic production constraints. This shift suggests a willingness to bypass traditional US-only construction mandates to accelerate the deployment of surface combatants.
What happens next
The Navy is scheduled to submit its formal assessment of foreign ship designs to the White House on November 12, 2026.
Further reading
For broader insight into naval procurement, visit the Military section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by USNI News.
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