Constellation Class Frigate
DevelopmentFrigate · Navy · Fincantieri
Next-generation guided-missile frigate based on Italian FREMM design.
Total Cost
$24.5B
Unit Cost
$1.2B per unit
Cost Overrun
+58%
Development
9 years
Planned Units
20
Delivered
0
Start Year
2020
IOC Year
2029
Key Details
Already 3+ years behind schedule with significant design changes. First hull not yet laid. GAO flagged major risks.
💸 Taxpayer Alert: 58% Over Budget
The Constellation Class Frigate program has exceeded its original budget by 58%. At $24.5B, this represents billions in cost growth that could have funded schools, healthcare, or infrastructure. This is a pattern across Pentagon weapons programs — the military-industrial complex has little incentive to control costs.
Why Does This Keep Happening? →What Else Could $24.5B Buy?
🏫 1,633 new public schools
🏥 49 community hospitals
🎓 700,000 four-year college scholarships
🌉 82 bridge replacements