Brazil Advances Naval Power with New Domestic Warship Program
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Brazil Advances Naval Power with New Domestic Warship Program
- Brazil recently commissioned the *Tamandaré*, the first of four domestically built stealth frigates, marking a significant step in its naval modernization efforts.
- The construction of these Tamandaré-class frigates, based on the German MEKO A-100 design, is a collaborative effort involving ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems and Embraer Defense and Security, taking place in Itajaí, Brazil.
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Brazil’s naval shipbuilding program has seen a significant advancement with the commissioning of the first Tamandaré-class frigate on April 24, 2026. This event represents a major milestone for the Brazilian Navy’s renewal program, as it’s the first time in nearly two decades that a new frigate class has been commissioned, built entirely within Brazil. The Tamandaré class consists of stealth frigates, with the lead ship, *Tamandaré* (F200), already undergoing operational service after being launched in August 2024.
These frigates are based on the German MEKO A-100 design and are being constructed by the Águas Azuis Consortium, which includes ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems, Embraer Defense and Security, and Atech, at a shipyard in Itajaí. Each vessel is estimated to cost US$555 million and features a displacement of 3,500 tonnes, a length of 107.2 meters, and a maximum speed of 25.5 knots. They are equipped with advanced combat systems, including a 12-cell vertical launch system for Sea Ceptor air-defense missiles, MANSUP anti-ship missiles, and torpedoes.
Currently, work is underway on four Tamandaré-class frigates. The second vessel, *Jerônimo de Albuquerque*, was launched in August 2025, with sea trials scheduled for mid-2026. The third frigate, *Cunha Moreira*, was launched in June 2026, and the construction of the fourth, *Mariz e Barros*, began in January 2026, with an expected launch in 2027 and commissioning in 2029. The Brazilian Navy has also confirmed plans for a second batch of four additional frigates, bringing the total planned vessels to eight. This frigate program is a key part of Brazil’s broader naval modernization, which also includes the Franco-Brazilian Submarine Development Program (PROSUB) for conventional and nuclear-powered submarines.