Brazil Tamandare program achieves new milestone with steel cutting of frigate Cunha Moreira.

According to information published by TKMS on November 18, 2024, the Tamandaré program reached a milestone on November 13, 2024, with the ceremonial steel cutting of the Cunha Moreira (F202), the third frigate of the Tamandaré-class, at thyssenkrupp Estaleiro Brasil Sul (tkEBS) in Itajaí, Santa Catarina. The event, held at tkEBS’s state-of-the-art shipyard, was attended by high-ranking representatives from the Brazilian Navy and defense industry, including Holger Tepper, CEO of thyssenkrupp Estaleiro Brasil Sul. With the steel cutting of the Cunha Moreira, tkEBS is now building three Tamandaré-class frigates concurrently.
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Steel-cutting ceremony of the Brazilian Tamandaré-class frigate Cunha Moreira. (Picture source: Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems)

The Tamandaré-class frigates represent a critical step in modernizing the Brazilian Navy, aimed at strengthening maritime defense and protecting the nation’s extensive coastline and territorial waters. Initiated in 2017, the program seeks to replace aging vessels with advanced warships capable of addressing contemporary naval threats. The construction contract was awarded to the Águas Azuis consortium, comprising Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems, Embraer Defense & Security, and Atech. Based on the MEKO® A100 platform, the design emphasizes modularity, stealth, and adaptability for various mission profiles.

Construction of the class began in 2022 at the Thyssenkrupp Estaleiro Brasil Sul (tkEBS) shipyard in Itajaí, Santa Catarina. The lead ship, Tamandaré (F200), was launched on August 9, 2024, marking a significant milestone for the program. The frigates are approximately 107 meters long, with a beam of nearly 16 meters and a displacement of 3,500 tons. They can reach speeds up to 25.5 knots and have a range of 5,500 nautical miles.

Designed for multi-role capabilities, these frigates are armed with a 12-cell Vertical Launching System for Sea Ceptor surface-to-air missiles and equipped with eight MANSUP anti-ship missiles. The main gun is an Oto Melara 76 mm Super Rapid naval gun, complemented by a Sea Snake 30 mm Close-In Weapon System for close-range defense. For anti-submarine warfare, the ships feature two triple Mark 54 lightweight torpedo launchers. Advanced electronic systems, including the Hensoldt TRS-4D AESA radar and Atlas ASO 713 sonar.

The program also focuses on enhancing local industry, with significant participation from Brazilian companies. The introduction of the Tamandaré-class frigates is expected to play a crucial role in protecting Brazil’s "Blue Amazon," a vast maritime area rich in natural resources. With the keel of the second ship, Jerônimo de Albuquerque, laid in June 2024, the program remains on track to deliver four frigates between 2025 and 2029.

Germany-Brazil

The Brazilian Armed Forces have incorporated several German-made armaments over the years, reflecting a strong defense relationship between the two nations. A key acquisition is the Leopard 1A5 main battle tank, procured in 2009, which has become a cornerstone of Brazil's armored units.

German weaponry extends to infantry arms, such as the MG3 machine gun, widely used by the Brazilian Army and mounted on the Leopard tanks. Additionally, the Heckler & Koch UMP submachine gun enhances the operational capabilities of Brazil's 1st Special Forces Battalion, particularly in close-quarters combat scenarios.

Historically, German influence on Brazil's military dates back to the early 20th century, with the adoption of Mauser rifles and Krupp artillery systems, signifying a long-standing tradition of collaboration.