Following the recent launching of the Jerônimo de Albuquerque (F201), the Tamandaré frigate (F200), the lead ship that gives its name to this new class of vessels of the Brazilian Navy, began its sea trials to verify the full functioning of its systems and capabilities. According to images from the Shipspotting Itajaí channel, the vessel was recently seen being towed from the Thyssenkrupp Estaleiro Brasil Sul shipyard, in Itajaí, Santa Catarina, in what constitutes its first departure to sea, thus consolidating the pace of execution of the Brazilian naval modernization plan.
Built by the Special Purpose Company (SPE) Águas Azuis —made up of Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems (TKMS), Embraer Defesa & Segurança, and Atech—, the Tamandaré frigate is the lead ship of a project that envisions four modern units based on the German-designed MEKO A100. Following its launch in August 2024, the ship completed an extensive phase of installation, calibration, and dockside trials, and now enters the sailing stage to assess the performance of its platform, combat systems, sensors, and weaponry.
The start of these sea trials comes just a few days after the Brazilian Navy celebrated the christening and launching of the Jerônimo de Albuquerque (F201), the second unit in the program. This event, held on August 8, was attended by the Minister of Defense, José Múcio Monteiro, senior Armed Forces officials, and representatives of the participating companies, underscoring the strategic importance of the PFCT for the renewal of the surface fleet and the Brazilian naval industry.
In terms of capabilities, the Tamandaré will integrate an advanced Combat Management System (CMS) developed by Atech together with Atlas Elektronik, coordinating 22 subsystems to optimize situational awareness and weapons use. This equipment includes domestically developed MSS MANSUP anti-ship missiles, MBDA Sea Ceptor anti-air missiles, an Oto Melara-Leonardo 76/62 mm gun, Rheinmetall Sea Snake 30 mm cannons, SEA TLS-TT torpedo launch systems, and a Terma C-Guard countermeasures system.
The ship will also feature an Integrated Platform Management System (IPMS), the result of collaboration between Atech and L3Harris, which monitors and controls 68 essential systems, including propulsion, power, auxiliary systems, and damage control. The incorporation of these technologies not only increases the operational capability of the Brazilian Navy but also boosts local technological development thanks to the knowledge transfer foreseen in the program.
The Tamandaré-class Frigate Program foresees the delivery of all four units before 2029, with the goal of gradually replacing the Niterói-class frigates and raising the standard of Brazilian naval capabilities. With the start of sea trials for the Tamandaré and the recent launching of the Jerônimo de Albuquerque, the project advances steadily, marking a milestone in the modernization of the surface force and the strengthening of the country’s defense industry.
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