ARLINGTON, Va. — The U.S. Navy has exercised a contract option to order the third Constellation-class guided-missile frigate (FFG) from Fincantieri Marinette Marine.
The Naval Sea Systems Command awarded Marinette Marine Corp., Marinette, Wisconsin, was awarded a $536.9 million “fixed-price incentive (firm target) and firm-fixed-price modification to previously awarded contract” for the future USS Chesapeake (FFG 64), the Defense Department announced June 16.
The order follows the $553.8 million contract option exercised on May 20, 2021, for the second ship of the class, the future USS Congress (FFG 63).
The Marinette Marine shipyard is currently working on the detailed design for the first ship of the class, the future USS Constellation (FFG 62). Cutting of first steel is scheduled for later this year.
The Navy has a requirement for 20 frigates. Marinette Marine is now under contract for the first three FFGs with options for seven more.
The Constellation class FFG is based largely on the Italian FREMM frigate.
Work on the latest contract option is expected to be completed by August 2028.
