The US Navy’s new FF(X) frigate: a modular, containerized weapons payload

The US Navy has revealed the specifications of its next-generation FF(X) frigate as it races to rebuild naval power. The first ship is set to hit the water by late 2028, and at the heart of the design is a modular payload bay at the stern that can carry different containerized weapons.

The US Navy plans to renew its fleet with a smaller, faster-to-build frigate class.

At a Glance

What: US Navy’s new FF(X) frigate program
Timeline: first ship in the water by late 2028, delivery targeted for 2030
Main guns: 57mm cannon + 30mm auxiliary
Air defense: Mk-49 launcher with 21 RAM missiles
Modular payload: 16 Naval Strike Missiles / 48 Hellfires / containerized munitions

Fast, modular and container-focused

The US Navy is pursuing a new class of smaller surface combatants to rebuild its fleet quickly. The first FF(X) frigate is to be launched by late 2028 (the first quarter of fiscal 2029) and delivered by 2030.

The most striking feature of the design is a modular payload bay at the stern capable of carrying 16 Naval Strike Missiles, 48 Hellfires or other containerized munitions. This “containerized weapons” approach lets the ship be rapidly reconfigured from mission to mission.

Vertical launching systems (VLS) and modular weapon payloads define the flexibility of modern frigates.

Weapons and sensor suite

FF(X)’s fixed armament includes a 57mm main gun, a 30mm auxiliary cannon and a 21-cell Mk-49 RAM (Rolling Airframe Missile) launcher. The Navy is also weighing transferring some systems and radars built for the cancelled Constellation class into the new program.

Item	Value
Program	FF(X) frigate
First launch	late 2028
Delivery target	2030
Main gun	57mm + 30mm auxiliary
Air defense	Mk-49, 21 × RAM
Modular payload	16 NSM / 48 Hellfire / containerized munitions

TCG İstanbul (İstif class) symbolizes Turkey's depth in indigenously designed modern frigates. — TCG İstanbul (İstif class) symbolizes Turkey’s depth in indigenously designed modern frigates.

The trend toward modular, quickly-built frigates is becoming a new standard among the world’s navies. Turkey is among the notable players here too, with the matured İstif class (TCG İstanbul) of the MİLGEM program and the developing TF-2000 air-defense destroyer marking real indigenous-design and export capability.