The Águas Azuis consortium and Emgepron, an independent Brazilian state company linked to the Ministry of Defense through the Brazilian Navy Command, signed a contract for building four Tamandaré-class corvettes in Rio de Janeiro on March 5, 2020.
The consortium, created by thyssenkrupp Marine Systems (TKMS), Embraer Defense & Security and Atech, was selected last year to build the ship quartet under the program valued at up to USD 1.6 billion.
To be constructed in Brazil, the Tamandaré-class ships are planned for delivery between 2025 and 2028. According to Brazilian Navy specifications, the corvettes will measure 107,2 meters in length and will displace 3,455 tons.
thyssenkrupp Marine Systems will supply the naval technology of its Meko class shipbuilding platform. Embraer will integrate sensors and weaponry into the combat system, while Atech, an Embraer Group company, will be the supplier of the combat management system (CMS) and integrated platform management system (IPMS), and the recipient of technology transfer in cooperation with Atlas Elektronik, a thyssenkrupp Marine Systems subsidiary that produces the CMS and sonar systems.
“We are grateful to participate again in such important milestone in the history of Brazil’s naval defence with the most advanced ships in their class…The Tamandaré Class Programme will strengthen our ties by transferring technology and generating highly qualified jobs for the country,” Rolf Wirtz, CEO of thyssenkrupp Marine Systems, said.
In addition to construction, the contract includes a sustained transfer of technology in naval engineering for building military ships and combat and platform management systems, as well as integrated logistical support and lifecycle management.
As explained, the naval alliance between thyssenkrupp Marine Systems and Embraer Defense & Security can also enable creating a base for exporting naval defense products from Brazil.
The German proposal was one of four designs shortlisted in October 2018. The other three contenders were Dutch shipbuilder Damen, France’s Naval Group and Italy’s Fincantieri.