The Brazilian Navy is set to proceed with building four more Tamandaré-class frigates.

The Brazilian Navy is moving towards building four additional Tamandaré-class frigates to replace its Niterói-class frigates. This expansion sits within the strategic aim of comprehensively renewing the surface fleet and reinforces what is one of the most ambitious naval programmes Brazil has pursued in recent decades.

If confirmed, the total number of ships in the class would rise to eight. That would mark a fresh milestone in the force’s modernisation effort and enable the phased retirement of the Niterói (F-40), Defensora (F-41), Constituição (F-42), Liberal (F-43), Independência (F-44), União (F-45) and the training ship Brasil (U-27), which for more than four decades have formed the backbone of the Brazilian squadron.

Tamandaré-class frigates and the Brazilian Navy’s long-term plan

As reported by the specialist outlet Poder Naval, the enlargement of the Tamandaré programme was reportedly confirmed during an official ceremony in Brasília. Procuring a second batch would signal continuity in a long-term policy designed to strengthen the Brazilian Navy’s presence in the so-called Blue Amazon (“Amazônia Azul”), as well as in other areas considered strategically important. Framed under the National Defence Strategy (Estrategia Nacional de Defensa), the project is intended to provide the Navy with modern, versatile vessels and a high level of integration with national industry.

The Tamandaré programme was originally awarded in 2020 to the Águas Azuis consortium, made up of ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (TKMS), Embraer Defence and Security, and associated Brazilian companies. Based on the MEKO A-100 design, the frigates displace about 3,500 tonnes and incorporate advanced combat systems, state-of-the-art sensors and a multi-mission capability covering anti-air warfare, anti-submarine warfare and surface warfare, alongside patrol, escort and maritime surveillance roles.

Shipbuilding progress for the first batch

The first ship of the series, Tamandaré (F-200), was launched in August 2024 and will carry out its sea trials throughout 2025 ahead of entering active service. The second frigate, Jerônimo de Albuquerque (F-201), was launched in 2025 and remains in the fitting-out and testing phase. The other two vessels in the initial batch are already under construction, with deliveries planned in stages over the coming years, maintaining a steady tempo in programme execution.

Should all eight planned units be built, the Tamandaré class would fully replace the Niterói class, meeting the programme’s primary objective. Beyond strengthening the Navy’s operational capacity, continuing the project would also sustain technology transfer, create skilled employment and maintain the participation of local suppliers-further establishing Brazil’s defence industry as a key regional player.

Images used for illustrative purposes.