As part of its surface fleet modernization process, the Brazilian Navy has confirmed that the christening and launching ceremony for the frigate Jerônimo de Albuquerque (F201), the second unit of the Tamandaré-class, will be held on August 8. The event will take place at the TKMS Estaleiro Brasil Sul shipyard in the city of Itajaí, marking another step forward in the construction of this series of ships designed to strengthen the operational capabilities of the naval force.
The Tamandaré-class, intended to replace the Niterói-class and Type 22 frigates, consists of four vessels based on the German MEKO A100 design. Their construction is managed by the special purpose entity Águas Azuis, a joint venture between Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems (TKMS), Embraer, and Atech. The project aims to expand Brazil’s maritime surveillance, control, and defense capabilities, while also fostering local shipbuilding industry growth through technology transfer and the creation of skilled jobs.
Following the same procedure used with the Tamandaré (F200), the Jerônimo de Albuquerque will be officially christened in a formal ceremony and then moved to a floating dock, where it will be launched in a controlled operation. This marks the frigate’s official transition to its final outfitting phase, during which systems integration will be completed. To coordinate this process, the Navy established the Frigate Reception Group (GRF), led by Commander Vinícius Mendonça Lancetta, who will also serve as the vessel’s first commanding officer.
The Tamandaré (F200), first in the series, is currently in its final construction phase, with sea trials scheduled to begin this month and delivery expected by the end of 2025. Meanwhile, the third frigate of the program, Cunha Moreira (F202), is progressing through the assembly phase according to the timeline established in the Tamandaré-Class Frigate Program (PFCT), which outlines the staggered delivery of all four units through 2029.
With a displacement of 3,380 tons, a length of 107 meters, and a range of 5,000 nautical miles, the Tamandaré-class frigates are designed for escort missions, oceanic patrols, and maritime area control in strategically important zones. They will operate with a crew of approximately 130 personnel and can reach speeds of up to 25.5 knots.
The class is armed with a 76/62 mm OTO Melara-Leonardo main gun, a 30 mm Rheinmetall Sea Snake automatic cannon, the SEA TLS-TT torpedo launch system, the Terma C-Guard countermeasure system, MBDA Sea Ceptor surface-to-air missiles, and MANSUP anti-ship missiles—the latter developed by the Brazilian company SIATT in cooperation with the Navy.
On June 26, the Brazilian Navy formalized the acquisition of the MANSUP missile system through a strategic contract with SIATT, ensuring the supply of these weapons for future ships of the class. This step reinforces Brazil’s commitment to integrating domestically developed combat capabilities in alignment with the program’s technological sovereignty goals.
Images used for illustrative purposes only. Cover credit: naval.com.br.
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