A rendering of the Constellation-class frigate, FFG 62 Fincantieri Marine Group/US Navy

The US Navy’s beleaguered shipbuilding program took a major hit on Tuesday as Navy Secretary John Phelan announced he was cancelling plans to buy Constellation-class frigates, once heralded as a key part of US strategy to keep up with China’s rapidly expanding naval fleet.

Phelan said the multibillion-dollar program for the surface combatants wasn’t delivering any bang for the buck.

“I won’t spend a dollar if it doesn’t strengthen readiness or our ability to win,” the Navy secretary said in a post on social media.

“To keep that promise, we’re reshaping how we build and field the Fleet – working with industry to deliver warfighting advantage, beginning with a strategic shift away from the Constella

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