The flag was carried on the frigate of Tamandaré. Brazil closes the first stage of the PFCT programme

The Mostra de Armamento fregata Tamandaré (F200) celebration was held at Marinha do Brasil base in Rio de Janeiro on 24 April. Flaglifting means the formal inclusion of the ship in the Brazilian Esquadra and the launch of the next stage of its implementation in service.

In the case of Tamandaré, therefore, it is not just the completion of the construction, but the transition from shipbuilding to use by Brazilian Navy. In parallel, the intention to further develop the PFCT programme to maintain the continuity of frigate construction in the Brazilian shipbuilding industry has been confirmed.

PFCT programme and national frigate production

Fregata Tamandaré is the first of the four units established under the Fragatas Classe Tamandaré Programme (PFCT). Ships are built in Brazil using the transfer of technology from German company TKMS.

Águas Azuis consortium, consisting of Embraer Defense & Security, Atech and TKMS, is responsible for the implementation of the programme. Production was entrusted to TKMS Estaleiro Brasil Sul shipyard in Itajaí, Santa Catarina.

The contract for building four units was signed on 5 March 2020 in Rio de Janeiro. At the time of conclusion of the agreement ships classified as corvettes. The contract value was approximately US$1.6 billion.

Schedule for the construction of subsequent ships

The process of building the first unit was rapid. Nephew Tamandaré was laid on 24 March 2023, the launch was carried out on 9 August 2024, while the transfer of the recipient took place in March of this year.

In parallel, more are created ships of this series. Unit Jerônimo de Albuquerque (F201) received a keel on 6 June 2024 and was launched on 8 August 2025. frigate strap Cunha Moreira (F202) was laid down on 5 June 2024.

It is assumed that the F201 will launch sea trials in the second half of this year. The F202 is currently in the final phase of hull assembly, and its launching is scheduled for June 17. Construction of the fourth series ship, Mariz e Barros (F203), started in January. The location of his keel is scheduled for autumn this year.

Military and equipment configuration

frigates of type Tamandaré developed using the modular MEKO system of TKMS, which allows to adjust unit configuration during operation and modernization.

The weapons consist of the MBDA Sea Ceptor air defense system and SIATT MANSUP-ER (Míssil Antinavio Nacional) anti-ship missiles. The direct protection is provided by the 76 mm automatic cannon Leonardo Super Rapido and the 30 mm Rheinmetall Sea Snake cannon. Combating submarines allow two SEA TLS-TT launchers to 324 mm light Mk 46 torpedoes. A set of self-defense measures complement the launchers of apparent targets Term C-Guard.

Technical observation systems include a multi-function three-ordinate Hensoldt TRS-4D radiolocation station, Thales STIR 1.2 EO Mk 2 fire control system, and Atlas Elektronik ASO 713 hull sonar. The equipment also includes the RTX S-band water surveillance radar, the MB/Omnisys Defender Mk 3 electronic combat system, two Safran PASEO XLR optoelectronic heads and two RTX X-band navigation radars. Ships will also receive the Atlas Electronik ANCS (ATLAS Naval Combat System) combat management system.

The drivetrain consists of four MAN diesel engines – 12V 28/33D STC. Control and supervision of platform mechanisms is implemented by the integrated L3 MAPPS integrated system Platform Management System.

Second series frigate in preparation

A Memorandum of Understanding was also signed between TKMS, the Ministry of Defence of Brazil and Embraer on the day of the transfer of the first unit. The document concerns the preparation of the second batch of four frigates type Tamandaré.

The signed agreement sets the framework for further work on the extension of the PFCT programme. In practice, this means the possibility of maintaining the continuity of ship production and the further development of the competences of the Brazilian shipbuilding industry acquired in the implementation of the first series of vessels.