FF(X)

FF(X) is the designation for a class of frigates intended for the United States Navy based on the National Security Cutter in service with the United States Coast Guard. The program was announced on December 19, 2025, and the ships will be built by Huntington Ingalls Industries.^[1]

The Legend-class cutter, the base design for the FF(X)
Class overview
Name	FF(X)
Builders	Huntington Ingalls Industries
Operators	United States Navy (projected)
Preceded by	Constellation class
General characteristics
Type	Frigate

Development

On November 25, 2025, Secretary of the Navy John C. Phelan announced the cancellation of the Constellation-class frigate program beyond the first two hulls, citing the need to build ships at a faster rate.^[2]

The FF(X) program was announced on December 19, 2025, in social media posts by Phelan and Chief of Naval Operations Admiral Daryl Caudle.^[1] The program's objective is to have the first ship in the water by 2028.^[3]

Design

Changes from the original NSC design include the construction of a platform above the stern boat deck for modular payloads and unmanned systems.^[3]