The second Tamandaré-class stealth frigate being built by TKMS for the Brazilian Navy has been launched at TKMS Estaleiro Brasil Sul, in Itajaí.
The launch and naming ceremony for the Jerônimo de Albuquerque was held on Friday and attended by numerous dignitaries including Brazil’s Defence Minister José Mucio Monteiro Filho, its Navy Commander Fleet Admiral Marcos Sampaio Olsen and TKMS employees.
Like her first-in-class sister vessel launched in August last year, the new 107-metre multipurpose warship displaces about 3,500 tons, has a range of around 5,500 nautical miles, and is capable of cruising at more than 25 knots.
She will feature a 12-cell vertical launch system (VLS) for SeaCeptor surface-to-air missiles and will also carry 8 Mansup anti-ship missiles. The frigates also carry Mk 54 torpedoes.
Jerônimo de Albuquerque also features a flight deck and hangar capable of accommodating either a S-70B Seahawk or Airbus H225M helicopter. She may also cary a Boeing ScanEagle uncrewed Aerial system (UAS).
Wholly domestically manufactured, as per a recent Brazilian Navy press statement once commissioned the new warships will be used for a variety of missions, including search and rescue (SAR), patrolling and monitoring, pollution and illegal fishing prevention, and anti-piracy. They will also fulfil the Brazilian Navy’s international obligations as required.
At the ceremony Defence Minister Filho commented: “This launch is special because it represents a significant step toward the modernization of Brazilian naval power.”
Eight ships in the class are planned; the first in class is scheduled to be commissioned into active service in December and the launch of the third vessel currently under construction, Cunha Moreira, is anticipated in November 2027.
- You can read more details about the launch of Jerônimo de Albuquerque on the Brazilian Navy website