Building Brazil’s Naval Power: Keel Laid for Macaé-class Patrol Ship Miramar.

According to information published by the Brazilian MoD on November 28, 2024, the Brazilian Navy marked a milestone with the keel-laying ceremony for the Patrol Ship (NPa) Miramar at the Arsenal de Marinha do Rio de Janeiro (AMRJ). This event officially initiates the construction of the fifth vessel in the Macaé-class, a project entirely carried out in Rio de Janeiro, with an expected launch date in 2028.
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Keel laying of NPa Miramar kicks off construction of the 5th Macaé-class patrol ship. (Picture source: Brazilian MoD)

The keel-laying ceremony, a pivotal event in shipbuilding, involves the placement of one of the structural blocks at the site where the hull will be assembled. For the Miramar, the central block weighing 11 tons was positioned, signaling the start of the assembly of other hull sections and the superstructure. This process highlights advancements in naval engineering, enabling greater efficiency and precision.

Macaé-class patrol ships play a crucial role in protecting Brazil’s extensive maritime territory. Patrol ships ensure the safety of maritime traffic, support the surveillance of territorial waters, and combat crimes such as smuggling, illegal fishing, and drug trafficking. With its inclusion in the fleet, the ship will play a vital role in protecting the Amazonia Azul—approximately five million square kilometers of Brazilian maritime territory critical to national sovereignty and economic interests.

The NPa Miramar will measure 54.2 meters in length and reach a maximum speed of 21 knots. The Macaé-class already includes three operational ships: NPa Macaé (P70), NPa Macau (P71), and NPa Maracanã (P72). The fourth ship, NPa Mangaratiba (P73), is 90% complete and is set for launch in the first half of 2026.

Brazilian Navy

As of December 2024, the Brazilian Navy maintains a diverse and capable fleet, reflecting its vital role in safeguarding the nation's vast maritime domain, often referred to as the "Blue Amazon." At the core of its operations is the flagship NAM Atlântico, a multipurpose helicopter carrier acquired from the United Kingdom in 2018. This vessel serves a dual purpose, supporting both military and humanitarian missions, and underscores Brazil's intent to project power and provide regional stability.

The fleet's surface combatants include frigates and corvettes, such as the Niterói and Type 22-class frigates, as well as versatile corvettes like the Barroso. These vessels, while aging, remain integral to maritime defense strategies, operating alongside a modernizing fleet of offshore patrol vessels like the Amazonas-class ships, which ensure security across Brazil's extensive coastline.

The submarine force is undergoing significant evolution. Traditional diesel-electric Tupi-class submarines continue to operate alongside newer Riachuelo-class submarines, which represent advancements under Brazil’s ambitious PROSUB program in partnership with France. The ongoing construction of the Álvaro Alberto, Brazil's first nuclear-powered submarine, marks a pivotal step in elevating the Navy's strategic capabilities, aiming for operational deployment by 2032.