The Brazilian Navy’s first Tamandaré-class frigate, Tamandaré, has completed sea trials off the coast of Brazil, marking a decisive step toward the delivery of the vessel.
The tests, which covered propulsion, maneuverability, and communication systems, were carried out by joint teams from Germany and Brazil, German shipbuilder thyssenkrupp Marine Systems (TKMS) revealed in a social media post.
The frigate is being built under the Tamandaré-class program, one of Brazil’s most significant naval construction projects in decades. The initiative is led by the Águas Azuis consortium, formed by TKMS, Embraer Defense & Security, and Atech, in partnership with Emgepron and the Brazilian Navy. Technology transfer and local shipbuilding are central to the project, which aims to enhance Brazil’s naval capabilities while developing its domestic defense industry.
The lead ship, Tamandaré, has a length of 107 meters, a displacement of 3,500 tons, and a top speed of 25 knots. Based on the German MEKO A100 design, the frigates are armed with MBDA’s SeaCeptor air defense system, Exocet MM40 Block 3 anti-ship missiles, a Leonardo 76/62 main gun, torpedo launchers, and remote weapon stations. Atech, in cooperation with Atlas Elektronik, is supplying the combat management and platform management systems, while Embraer integrates sensors and weaponry.
Construction began in 2022 with the first steel cut, followed by keel laying in March 2023 at thyssenkrupp Estaleiro Brasil Sul in Itajaí, Santa Catarina. The ship was launched in mid-2024 and is now undergoing final outfitting and trials ahead of delivery.
The program calls for four frigates to be delivered between 2025 and 2028. The second vessel, Jerônimo de Albuquerque, had its keel laid in June 2024. The frigate was named at the beginning of this month.
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Once completed, the class is expected to significantly strengthen Brazil’s ability to patrol and secure its Amazônia Azul, the nation’s vast maritime economic zone.