被寄予厚望的“星座”废了

Core Viewpoint - The U.S. Navy has decided to cancel the order for four new "Constellation" class frigates due to significant design changes that have caused years of construction delays, effectively ending the project that was once highly anticipated [2][3]. Group 1: Project Cancellation - The U.S. Navy will only retain two of the already started frigates and will shift focus to new types of vessels that can be built quickly to address complex security challenges [3]. - The decision to terminate the "Constellation" class project has sparked widespread controversy in the U.S., reflecting deeper issues in military strategy, project management, and industrial base [3][4]. Group 2: Design and Construction Issues - The "Constellation" class frigate was designed as a multi-role missile frigate, measuring approximately 150 meters in length and 19 meters in width, with a full load displacement of 7,400 tons and a design lifespan of 25 years [4]. - The project began in 2017, with the Italian Fincantieri Group winning the contract in 2020, but subsequent changes by the U.S. military led to significant delays and cost increases, with the estimated cost per frigate rising from $850 million to over $1.4 billion [5][6]. Group 3: Broader Implications for U.S. Naval Strategy - The U.S. Navy has been reducing the number of frigates since the 1990s, with the last new frigate being retired in 2015, indicating a shift in military strategy from sea control to land support operations [7]. - The "Zumwalt" class destroyer, designed for near-shore operations, has faced significant operational issues and cost overruns, highlighting the challenges in modern naval shipbuilding [8][9]. Group 4: Challenges in U.S. Shipbuilding Industry - The U.S. shipbuilding industry has been facing a hollowing-out crisis, with a significant reduction in production capacity and a shortage of skilled labor, leading to delays in delivering new vessels [11]. - The Navy's operational tempo has increased, resulting in frequent accidents and incidents, further stressing the already strained naval resources [11].