Trump's Frigate Vision Faces Reality: A Look at the Navy's Underperforming Fleet

By Tony Capaccio
May 13, 2025 (Bloomberg) – A $22 billion frigate initiative that President Donald Trump once described as “the most stunning, they look like yachts” has been flagged as one of the US Navy’s underperforming projects last year, according to a confidential report submitted to Congress. This report highlights several other struggling systems, including new landing gear for aircraft carriers, an advanced anti-radar missile system, a drone designed for refueling jets, and the Marines’ hovercraft intended for troop transport.

The Navy’s acquisition branch prepared this report and shared it with four congressional defense committees in mid-january. As Navy Secretary John Phelan gears up for his fiscal 2026 budget testimony before the House defense appropriations subcommittee on Wednesday, details about why these systems are lagging remain scarce due to classification restrictions.

On a brighter note, some programs are hitting their targets. The AN/SPY-6 air and missile defense radar used by Aegis destroyers and the MQ-4C Triton surveillance drone are among those recognized for their success. However, delays in shipbuilding have caught the attention of the White House; Trump’s April 9 executive order on defense procurement criticized nine Navy ship programs that are running one to three years behind schedule.

Frigate Fiasco
At the forefront of these issues is the Constellation-class frigate project led by a wisconsin subsidiary of Fincantieri SpA. This venture is reportedly three years behind its initial delivery timeline set for 2026.

During his closing remarks at last year’s Republican National Convention, Trump highlighted this frigate contract awarded in 2020 while claiming he made “a little design change.” He emphasized its aesthetic appeal: “These are beautiful; they look like yachts.”

Fincantieri spokesperson eric Dent commented that while he hasn’t seen the recent Navy report,production efforts on their end are ramping up: “Things are really coming together.” The Naval Sea Systems command attributed delays primarily to complexities in integrating various design elements rather than technological setbacks. They expect design validation by month’s end after extensive collaboration between program leaders and engineers over recent months.Aircraft Carrier Challenges
In addition to issues with frigates, other low-performing systems include General Atomics’ Advanced Arresting Gear (AAG) installed on new aircraft carriers and Northrop Grumman Corp’s extended-range anti-radar missile system.Both companies have deferred comments back to the Navy regarding these challenges.

Boeing Co.’s MQ-25 Stingray drone program also faced setbacks due to design flaws affecting its initial production timeline—now delayed by at least two years according to Pentagon evaluations. program manager Troy Rutherford expressed optimism about upcoming milestones: “We’re aiming for our first flight later this year.”

another notable mention is Textron Inc.’s Marine corps hovercraft known as “Ship to Shore,” which has encountered previous mechanical issues but now boasts an efficient production line delivering multiple units with more underway or being tested according to senior vice president Ryan Schaffernocker.

As we navigate through these challenges within military procurement processes—much like any industry facing innovation hurdles—the focus remains on overcoming obstacles through collaboration and strategic adjustments moving forward.