German shipbuilding major TKMS has laid the keel of Mariz e Barros (F203), the fourth and final frigate in the first batch of the Brazilian Navy’s Tamandaré-class frigate program.
The ceremony took place at TKMS Estaleiro Brasil Sul in Itajaí, Brazil, marking the start of structural assembly for the final vessel in the four-ship program.
The remaining frigates are progressing through different stages of construction and testing. Jerônimo de Albuquerque (F201) has started its first sea acceptance trials, while Cunha Moreira (F202) has completed its float-out and is continuing toward delivery.
The lead ship, Tamandaré (F200), has already entered service with the Brazilian Navy and is currently participating in the Fraterno XXXIX bilateral naval exercise in the South Atlantic.
The Tamandaré-class program 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 frigates measure 107 meters in length, displace around 3,500 tons, and have a top speed of 25 knots. Based on the German MEKO A100 design, the ships are equipped with MBDA’s Sea Ceptor air defense system, Exocet MM40 Block 3 anti-ship missiles, a Leonardo 76/62 main gun, torpedo launchers, and remote weapon stations.
With the keel of F203 now laid and the other three ships advancing through testing, outfitting and operational deployment, the Tamandaré program remains on schedule, according to TKMS.