US Navy maintains course for surface shipbuilding programmes

The US Navy’s FY 2025 budget request seeks more funding for a Constellation-class frigate. (US Navy)

The proposed US Navy (USN) fiscal year (FY) 2025 budget requests funding to continue proposed programmes for guided-missile destroyers (DDGs) and guided-missile frigates (FFGs).

The FY 2025 request includes USD6.5 billion for two Flight III Arleigh Burke-class DDGs and enough money to cover full funding for another two of those ships, according to budget documents released on 11 March.

Included in the FY 2024 request is USD4.5 billion for two ships. The five-year Future Years Defense Program (FYDP) ending in FY 2029 included with the request calls for 10 Flight II DDGs to be procured.

These Flight III ships include new radar and electronic warfare capabilities. To see more about those efforts, see

Flight risk: With more USN destroyers under contract, focus turns towards operational testing

The FY 2025 request also includes USD1.2 billion to procure the seventh Constellation-class frigate, compared to USD2.2 billion requested in FY 2024 for two FFGs.