With the aim of replacing its Niterói-class frigates, the Brazilian Navy would move forward with the construction of four additional Tamandaré-class frigates. This expansion forms part of the strategic objective of comprehensively renewing the surface fleet and consolidating one of the most ambitious naval programs of recent decades.
If carried out, the move would raise the total number of vessels in the class to eight, marking a new milestone in the force’s modernization process and enabling the gradual replacement of the frigates Niterói (F-40), Defensora (F-41), Constituição (F-42), Liberal (F-43), Independência (F-44), União (F-45), as well as the training ship Brasil (U-27), which for more than four decades formed the backbone of the Brazilian fleet.
According to the specialized outlet Poder Naval, the expansion of the Tamandaré program was reportedly confirmed during an official ceremony in Brasília. The contracting of the second batch reflects the continuity of a long-term policy aimed at strengthening the Brazilian Navy’s presence in the so-called “Blue Amazon,” as well as in other areas of strategic interest. This project, framed within the National Defense Strategy, seeks to provide the Navy with modern, versatile units featuring a high degree of integration with national industry.
The Tamandaré program was originally awarded in 2020 to the Águas Azuis consortium, composed of ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (TKMS), Embraer Defense & Security, and associated Brazilian companies. Based on the MEKO A-100 design, the frigates displace approximately 3,500 tons and are equipped with advanced combat systems, next-generation sensors, and multi-mission capabilities encompassing anti-air, anti-submarine, and surface warfare, in addition to patrol, escort, and maritime surveillance roles.
The first unit in the series, Tamandaré (F-200), was launched in August 2024 and throughout 2025 carried out sea trials prior to entering active service. The second frigate, Jerônimo de Albuquerque (F-201), was launched in 2025 and remains in the outfitting and testing phase. The remaining two vessels of the first batch are already under construction, with staggered deliveries scheduled over the coming years, consolidating a steady pace in the program’s execution.
If the construction of all eight planned units is finalized, the Tamandaré class will complete the replacement of the Niteróiclass, thus fulfilling the program’s primary objective. In addition to strengthening the Navy’s operational capabilities, the continuity of the project will sustain technology transfer, the generation of skilled employment, and the participation of local suppliers, consolidating Brazil’s defense industry as a key regional player.
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