Navy Taps HII for New Frigate Based on NSC Design

In a major step toward modernizing the U.S. Navy’s surface fleet, Huntington Ingalls Industries (HII) has been awarded a contract to design and build a new class of Navy frigates based on the U.S. Coast Guard’s proven National Security Cutter (NSC) platform, according to a December 2025 report by Breaking Defense titled “Navy Announces New Frigate Class, Taps HII to Build Off National Security Cutter.”

The Navy’s choice to leverage the existing NSC design—widely credited for its versatility, range, and endurance—signals a strategic shift toward greater acquisition speed and cost efficiency. By adapting a mature hull design, the service aims to bridge a persistent capability gap in medium-sized surface combatants while avoiding the delays and expense that have hampered past shipbuilding efforts.

The new class, reportedly designated as the Constellation-class Light Frigate, will incorporate advanced combat systems and sensors, offering enhanced anti-submarine, anti-air, and surface warfare capabilities. According to Navy officials cited in the report, the vessel is intended to complement the larger and more heavily armed Constellation-class frigates currently in production, creating a tiered approach to surface warfare that balances capability with affordability.

Naval leadership emphasized that HII’s extensive experience with the NSC program gives them a head start in translating the design for naval use. Brian Cuccias, president of HII’s Ingalls Shipbuilding division, told Breaking Defense that the award reflects both the shipyard’s longstanding partnership with the Navy and its ability to deliver complex surface vessels on time and on budget.

The Navy has not yet disclosed the number of ships it plans to procure in the initial phase, but acquisition officials suggest the program could exceed a dozen ships if initial performance and cost targets are met. The initiative aligns with growing congressional emphasis on distributed maritime operations, which advocate for a larger fleet made up of more numerous and agile platforms.

Despite optimism surrounding the program, analysts caution that adapting the NSC—a ship originally designed for maritime security and law enforcement—to full-spectrum naval warfare presents engineering and operational challenges. Modifications to propulsion, survivability, and weapons integration are expected, and these will be closely scrutinized as the program moves forward.

The announcement also arrives at a pivotal moment for Navy planning, as the service grapples with balancing the demands of Indo-Pacific deterrence, budget constraints, and a pressing need to replace aging legacy platforms. By banking on a trusted hull with a new mission set, Navy planners appear to be seeking a middle path between innovation and pragmatism.

As the project advances, congressional interest is expected to intensify, particularly in light of ongoing debates about fleet composition, the industrial base, and long-term shipbuilding strategy. If successful, the program could serve as a template for future procurement efforts that emphasize adaptability and risk reduction.