Brazil expands maritime surveillance capabilities with launch of second Tamandare class frigate.

According to information published by SA Defensa on X on 9 August 2025, the Brazilian Navy has officially named its second Tamandaré class frigate F201 Jerônimo de Albuquerque during a formal ceremony at the Oceana shipyard in Itajaí, Santa Catarina. The event was attended by senior naval commanders, political authorities, and executives from the shipbuilding sector, with Lady Maria Lúcia Guimarães Ribeiro Alckmin, wife of Brazil’s Vice President Geraldo Alckmin, acting as the ship’s sponsor. The frigate was launched on 8 August 2025 and represents a major advancement in the Tamandaré class program, a core pillar of the National Maritime Strategy designed to enhance Brazil’s naval projection and protection of its Exclusive Economic Zone.
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The Tamandaré class frigate is a 3,500-ton multi-role frigate equipped with AESA radar, Sea Ceptor missiles, a 76 mm gun, ASW torpedoes, and helicopter support for air, surface, and submarine defense (Picture source: EMGEPRON)

Brazil’s requirement for modern surface combatants is driven by the sheer size and strategic importance of its maritime domain, known as the “Blue Amazon,” which spans over 4.5 million square kilometers and includes vast offshore oil and gas reserves, critical sea lanes, and rich fishing grounds. The country faces increasing challenges such as illegal fishing, piracy, transnational crime, and the need to safeguard energy infrastructure in deep waters. Moreover, Brazil’s aspiration to play a leading security role in South America and the South Atlantic demands a capable and modern navy able to deter aggression, participate in multinational operations, and project influence beyond its shores. The Tamandaré class frigates are central to fulfilling these objectives.

Constructed under the Águas Azuis consortium, a strategic partnership uniting thyssenkrupp Marine Systems of Germany, Embraer Defense & Security of Brazil, and the Oceana shipyard, the Jerônimo de Albuquerque benefits from a proven MEKO A-100 design adapted to Brazilian Navy specifications. This collaboration combines international warship design expertise with domestic industrial capacity, ensuring technology transfer, local job creation, and long-term sustainment capability within Brazil.

Technically, the Jerônimo de Albuquerque features a Saab Sea Giraffe 4A fixed-face AESA radar providing simultaneous air and surface surveillance with 360-degree coverage and the capacity to track hundreds of targets. Air defense is delivered through the MBDA Sea Ceptor surface-to-air missile system, using CAMM missiles launched from a 12-cell vertical launch system, offering point and local area protection against fast jets, helicopters, and sea-skimming missiles. The main gun is the Leonardo OTO Melara 76/62 Super Rapid, capable of firing guided munitions such as the DART projectile for enhanced anti-air capability. For close-in defense, the frigate mounts Rheinmetall remotely operated weapon stations and machine guns to counter asymmetric threats.

In anti-submarine warfare, the vessel employs a hull-mounted sonar complemented by the option to integrate a towed array system, enabling detection of modern quiet diesel-electric and nuclear-powered submarines. Two triple 324 mm torpedo launchers fire lightweight torpedoes such as the Mk 46 or Mk 54, depending on operational requirements. An embarked medium helicopter, such as the Sikorsky SH-60 Seahawk or Airbus H225M, enhances ASW range with dipping sonar and airborne torpedoes.

The combat system is centered on the Atlas Elektronik CMS 330, integrating radar, sonar, electronic warfare, and weapons control into a unified operational picture. Electronic warfare capability is supported by an advanced ESM/ECM suite capable of detecting, classifying, and jamming hostile emitters. The frigate also features soft-kill countermeasures including decoy launchers for chaff and flares.

From a tactical and operational perspective, the Tamandaré class frigates provide Brazil with a versatile surface combatant capable of operating alone or as part of a task group. Their sensor suite and networked combat management system allow rapid detection and engagement of multiple threats, supporting fleet air defense, convoy escort, and sea control missions. The combination of long-range surveillance, multi-layered defense, and precision strike capability enables the ships to operate effectively in contested environments. Their endurance, helicopter facilities, and modular mission architecture also make them ideal for maritime security patrols, humanitarian assistance, and peacekeeping deployments, giving the Brazilian Navy flexible options in both wartime and peacetime scenarios.

With a displacement of approximately 3,500 tons, a length of 107 meters, a beam of 16 meters, and a draft of 5.2 meters, the ship is powered by a combined diesel and diesel (CODAD) propulsion system delivering a top speed exceeding 27 knots and an operational range of over 5,000 nautical miles at economical speed. Crew accommodation exceeds 130 personnel with modern habitability standards, enabling sustained operations during long deployments.

Upon completion of sea trials, the Jerônimo de Albuquerque will join its sister ship, the lead frigate Tamandaré, forming the spearhead of Brazil’s modernized surface combatant force. These vessels will play a key role in maritime domain awareness, sea control, and power projection across the South Atlantic, safeguarding Brazil’s offshore oil and gas platforms, shipping lanes, and strategic choke points while enhancing interoperability with allied navies in multinational exercises and operations. The program is also expected to stimulate the domestic defense industrial base and provide a platform for future technology upgrades, ensuring relevance for decades of service.