In a new milestone for the efforts to renew and modernize its surface fleet, on August 8 the Brazilian Navy held the christening and launching ceremony of the Jerônimo de Albuquerque (F201), the second ship of the new Tamandaré-class frigates program. The event was attended by senior officials, headed by Brazil’s Minister of Defense, José Múcio Monteiro, as well as high-ranking members of the Armed Forces and representatives of the local and international companies involved in the naval construction program.
The Jerônimo de Albuquerque (F201) is the second vessel of the new Tamandaré-class frigate program. Carried out through the Special Purpose Entity (SPE) Águas Azuis, formed by companies such as Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems (TKMS), Embraer, and Atech, these new ships, based on the German MEKO A100 design, are intended to replace the Niterói-class frigates.
The christening and launching of the second ship of the program marks the significant progress achieved in Brazil’s naval shipbuilding sector, which also records advances in the construction of the first frigate, Tamandaré (F200), already launched and currently undergoing superstructure work and systems integration, with sea trials expected to begin in the near future. It is also worth noting the scheduled start, during 2025, of construction of the third unit, Cunha Moreira (F202), with the cutting of its first naval steel plate and the manufacture of specific modules.
During his speech, Brazil’s Minister of Defense stated: “Investing in defense means more than investing in sovereignty; investing in defense is generating benefits, opportunities, technology and, above all else, investing in our future as a nation.”
As for the main focus of the ceremony, following the pattern set with the first ship of the class, the Jerônimo de Albuquerque (F201) will now advance into the next phase of construction, centered on superstructure work and the integration of sensors, combat systems, weaponry, and ship management systems, among other key milestones. According to the Brazilian Navy, and in line with the established schedule, the new frigate is expected to be delivered in 2027.
About the Tamandaré-class frigates
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, ocean patrol, and control of maritime areas of strategic interest. Their crew consists of approximately 130 personnel, and they can reach speeds of up to 25.5 knots.
The armament of this class includes a main OTO Melara-Leonardo 76/62 mm gun, a Rheinmetall Sea Snake 30 mm automated 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 Brazilian company SIATT in collaboration with the Navy.
You may also like: The Brazilian Navy would be preparing to soon begin the incorporation of an amphibious assault ship decommissioned by the United Kingdom
