Brazil’s First Tamandaré-Class Frigate Completes Sea Trials Ahead of 2025 Delivery

Rio de Janeiro, August 2025 – The Brazilian Navy’s first Tamandaré-class frigate, Tamandaré, has successfully completed its initial sea trials off the Brazilian coast, marking a major milestone in one of Brazil’s most ambitious naval construction programs in decades.

According to German shipbuilder thyssenkrupp Marine Systems (TKMS), the tests evaluated the ship’s propulsion, manoeuvrability, and communication systems. The trials were carried out by joint Brazilian-German teams, highlighting the program’s strong international collaboration.

A Strategic Naval Program

The frigate is being built under the leadership of the Águas Azuis consortium, which brings together TKMS, Embraer Defense & Security, and Atech, in cooperation with Emgepron and the Brazilian Navy. A key aspect of the program is technology transfer and local shipbuilding, ensuring that much of the construction expertise remains in Brazil.

Described as one of the most significant naval programs in the nation’s history, the Tamandaré-class is designed to modernise the Navy and safeguard Brazil’s vast maritime economic zone, known as the Amazônia Azul.

Frigate Specifications and Capabilities

The Tamandaré measures 107 metres in length, displaces 3,500 tons, and can reach a top speed of 25 knots. Based on the German MEKO A100 design, the class incorporates modular architecture, enabling easier upgrades throughout its service life.

The frigate’s armament suite provides a strong, multi-dimensional combat capability:

• MBDA SeaCeptor air defence system for protection against aerial threats.

• Exocet MM40 Block 3 anti-ship missiles for long-range surface strike.

• Leonardo 76/62 Super Rapid naval gun for surface and air engagements.

• Torpedo launchers for anti-submarine warfare.

• Remote weapon stations for close-in defense.

Industry Contributions

• Atech, in collaboration with Atlas Elektronik, is delivering the Combat Management System (CMS) and Platform Management System (PMS).

• Embraer Defense & Security is responsible for integrating the ship’s advanced weapons and sensor suites.

• thyssenkrupp Estaleiro Brasil Sul, in Itajaí, Santa Catarina, is carrying out construction, following the ship’s keel laying in March 2023 and launch in mid-2024.

The final outfitting and trials phase is now underway, with delivery expected in 2025.

The Tamandaré-Class Program

The program will deliver four frigates between 2025 and 2028. The second ship, Jerônimo de Albuquerque, had its keel laid in June 2024, with the remaining two frigates scheduled to follow in successive years.

Once completed, the Tamandaré-class will significantly enhance Brazil’s ability to:

• Patrol its maritime resources, including oil-rich offshore zones.

• Contribute to international peacekeeping missions.

• Counter piracy and trafficking threats in the South Atlantic.

• Strengthen defense of Brazil’s sea lines of communication.

Strategic Importance

Brazil’s maritime domain, the Amazônia Azul, covers nearly 4.5 million square kilometers and includes critical offshore oil and gas reserves, fishing areas, and shipping lanes. The Tamandaré-class frigates are expected to become the backbone of the Navy’s surface fleet, replacing aging vessels and ensuring Brazil remains capable of defending its maritime interests.

The successful sea trials of Tamandaré, the lead ship of the class, represent a major step forward in Brazil’s naval modernisation. By combining international expertise with local industry participation, the program is not only strengthening the Navy but also building a long-term foundation for Brazil’s defense-industrial base.

With delivery set for 2025 and three more frigates to follow, the Tamandaré-class is poised to play a central role in safeguarding Brazil’s maritime future for decades to come.