Brazil has agreed with Germany to expand defense cooperation and order four more Tamandaré-class frigates. This is stated in a Defense Express article, writes UNN.
Details
This refers to the second batch of ships, which will increase the total fleet of this class to eight units. The decision was made despite Brazil's membership in BRICS and its relations with Russia and China.
The frigates are being built at a Brazilian shipyard as part of the Águas Azuis project – a joint venture between Germany's ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems and Brazilian companies Embraer and Atech.
Currently, three of the first four ships are already under construction. The first frigate is almost ready and is expected to be commissioned in the near future.
Frigate characteristics
Tamandaré frigates are 107.2 meters long and have a displacement of about 3500 tons. They are designed according to stealth principles and are based on the German modular MEKO platform.
The ships are multi-purpose and capable of performing air defense, anti-ship, and anti-submarine warfare missions.
Armament includes:
– Sea Ceptor surface-to-air missile system (12 launch cells)
– 8 MANSUP anti-ship missiles
– Mark 54 torpedoes
– 76-mm Oto Melara gun and 30-mm Sea Snake
The frigates are equipped with a TRS-4D radar capable of tracking up to 1000 targets at a distance of up to 250 km. This is a naval version of the radar also used by the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
Delivery times
The first ship was laid down in 2023 and is planned to be commissioned this year. Other frigates of the first batch are expected to join the fleet in 2027–2028.
The second batch of four ships is expected to be ready in the late 2020s – early 2030s.
The expansion of the Tamandaré program indicates Brazil's course towards strengthening its own Navy and diversifying defense cooperation beyond political alliances.
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