The National Security Cutter as a restartable frigate

Could a replacement US frigate really launch in 2028, and which mature design could support that timetable?

Mercogliano considers the National Security Cutter the likely candidate, while the production pause and potential redesign leave the timetable uncertain.

A reported 2028 launch target raises the question of which design and production chain could deliver a replacement frigate that quickly. Sal Mercogliano cites a report about a private discussion by the Navy secretary and treats the National Security Cutter as the most likely choice. Ten Coast Guard cutters had established the hull, and a missile-equipped frigate derivative had been offered years earlier. He hopes that surviving tooling would support a prompt restart with limited changes. Alex Clarke is less reassured because cancellation of the next cutter creates a pause in which production can cool and new requirements can accumulate. The replacement's final configuration remains unconfirmed at this point.