Fincantieri Marinette Wins $554M to Build Multi-Mission Frigate for U.S. Navy

The U.S. Navy awarded Fincantieri Marinette Marine a $554 million contract for a Constellation-class guided missile frigate.

The service exercised a nearly $555m contract option to place the order with Fincantieri’s U.S.-based subsidiary, Marinette Marine Corp.

A DoD release today said the contract covers detail design and construction of one Constellation-class guided-missile frigate, future USS Congress (FFG 63), and integrated digital environment support. Work is expected to be completed by January 2027.

The acquisition process for the Navy’s Constellation Class Frigate began in 2017.

The future USS Congress (FFG 63) will be built at FMM’s shipyard in Marinette, Wisc. where preparations are being made to begin construction on lead ship USS Constellation (FFG 62). Like its sister ship, FFG 63 will have multi-mission capability to conduct air warfare, anti-submarine warfare, surface warfare, electronic warfare, and information operations. Shipboard systems will include an Enterprise Air Surveillance Radar (EASR) radar, Baseline Ten (BL10) AEGIS Combat System, a Mk 41 Vertical Launch System (VLS), communications systems, MK 110 57mm Gun Weapon System (GWS) and added capability in the Electronic Warfare/Information Operations area with design flexibility for future growth.

The company was contracted last year to build the first-in-class frigate along with the option to build nine more vessels. The scope of works will also include post-delivery availability support and crew training.

If all options are exercised, the cumulative value of the contract will amount to $5.5 billion for Fincantieri.