A mature design can already be years old when prolonged procurement finally delivers it. Mercogliano contrasts Constellation's unresolved construction with LCS hulls that exist and can perform limited work, despite his criticism of their capabilities. The National Security Cutter appears more immediately buildable in this comparison. He nevertheless estimates another four years before a frigate emerges, returning the timeline to roughly 2030. That is his expectation in the recorded discussion, rather than an established delivery date.
Notable Point · 28:31-29:46
Procurement delay can age a design before it enters service
The cutter alternative offers a buildable hull, but even that restart may leave the Navy waiting years for new frigates.