First Tamandaré-class frigate successfully floated at Thyssenkrupp shipyard.

According to information published SA Defensa on August 17, 2024, the first vessel of Brazil's Tamandaré-class frigate program has successfully completed its initial floatation and is now securely moored at the Thyssenkrupp shipyard.
Follow Army Recognition on Google News at this link

Artist rendering of the first Tamandaré class frigate Tamandaré. (Picture source: Marinha Do Brasil)

Beyond the future Tamandaré-class frigates, the Brazilian Navy operates several other classes of frigates, although many are aging and nearing the end of their service lives.

The Brazilian Navy's Niterói-class frigates have been a cornerstone of its fleet since their introduction in the late 1970s. These ships, constructed by Vosper Thornycroft in the United Kingdom, were part of a significant expansion of Brazil's naval capabilities during that period. The Niterói-class frigates were designed as multi-role vessels, equipped to handle a broad range of missions, including anti-submarine warfare (ASW), anti-surface warfare (ASuW), and air defense.

Technically, these frigates are equipped with a mix of sensors and weapons that allow them to engage various threats. The primary ASW capabilities are provided by the Westland Super Lynx helicopter, which can deploy anti-submarine torpedoes, and by onboard sonar systems capable of detecting and tracking submarines.

The surface warfare suite includes the MM38 Exocet anti-ship missiles, which were cutting-edge at the time of their introduction, designed for engaging enemy vessels at significant ranges. For air defense, the Niterói-class originally utilized the Sea Cat missile system, which, while effective during the era of its deployment, is now considered obsolete against modern aerial threats.

Over the years, the Niterói-class frigates have undergone several upgrades to maintain their relevance. One of the most notable modernization efforts took place between the 1990s and the early 2000s, where the ships received enhancements to their combat systems, propulsion, and electronic warfare capabilities.

These upgrades extended the service life of the frigates, enabling them to continue serving into the 21st century. However, despite these efforts, the technological advancements in naval warfare have increasingly outpaced the capabilities of the Niterói-class, making their replacement a priority for the Brazilian Navy.