Brazil’s Tamandare-class frigate project marks important milestone

The Brazilian Navy, EMGEPRON, and Águas Azuis have presented a verification model of the future Tamandare-class frigate, marking an important milestone in the Brazilian Navy’s new frigate program.

Aquas Azuis is a special purpose company formed by thyssenKrupp Marine Systems (TKMS), Embraer Defence and Security and Atech. The partners presented the mockup structure, reproduced in real dimensions, which will be qualified by the standards and requirements before the construction of the vessels begins.

The event took place at thyssenkrupp Estaleiro Brasil Sul’s shipyard, where the four frigates will be built. The qualification section (mockup) is constructed with the aim of performing the experimental validation of the manufacturing and assembly processes, the operation and automation of the machinery involved, the provision and handling of materials, and the training of the personnel.

The Tamandare-class frigates will be versatile escorts and of high combat power, capable of countering multiple threats and destined to protect maritime traffic, according to the Brazilian Navy.

In addition, they will be employed in the patrol missions of Brazilian Jurisdictional Waters, with an emphasis on the inspection and protection of economic activities, mainly oil and fisheries. 

This class of frigates will be 107,2 meters long, with a maximum beam of 15,95 meters, and a displacement of 3,500 tons.

The vessels will be equipped with missile and torpedo launchers. There will also be stealth capabilities, from reducing visibility to radar. The capacity is for 136 crew members, plus a helicopter, capable of anti-submarine operations, and a drone, an unmanned vehicle, capable of vertical landing and take-off.

Earlier on, the Brazilian Navy contracted defence company MBDA to provide the Sea Ceptor air defence missile system for the new frigates.

The construction of the first ship is scheduled to begin in September this year and while the delivery is scheduled for December 2025.

The other three frigates are expected to be delivered in 2027, 2028 and 2029, respectively.