The U.S. Navy, burned in the past, is stepping back from reinventing — or even redesigning — the wheel. That’s why the Navy’s new Constellation-class of frigates might bring to mind warships currently deployed on the high seas by European countries. It was based on the Fregata Europea Multi-Missione (FREMM) family of vessels from the Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri for the navies of Italy and France.

When it offered the new contract, the Navy told the bidders to consider adapting an existing design for the program — then known as FFG (X) — and in April 2020, awarded Fincantieri’s U.S. subsidiary, Fincantieri Marinette Marine, a $5.5 billion contract for the lead ship and nine additional ships.