Brazilian Navy takes delivery of third Scorpène submarine, launches fourth

December 1, 2025, by Fatima Bahtić

The Brazilian Navy marked a major step in its Submarine Development Program (PROSUB) with the delivery of its third Scorpène-class submarine and the launch of the fourth at the Itaguaí naval base.

As informed, the third submarine Tonelero, built in Brazil with the support of French shipbuilder Naval Group, was delivered to the Brazilian Navy on November 26, 2025. On the same day, Almirante Karam, the fourth submarine in this class, officially entered the water for the first time.

These two major milestones underline the strong technological progress of the Brazilian Navy and the strengthening of its operational capabilities.

“We are honored to contribute to strengthening Brazil’s maritime sovereignty. More than delivering submarines, our mission is to build, together with Brazil, a long-term technological and industrial legacy. Our partnership with the Brazilian Navy is a prime example of strategic cooperation between nations that share common values and objectives in the global arena,” said Pierre Éric Pommellet, Chairman and CEO of Naval Group.

As part of a comprehensive Technology Transfer (ToT) agreement, Naval Group is supporting the construction of four Scorpène-class submarines at the Itaguaí Construções Navais (ICN) shipyard and naval base.

Specifically, the company has contributed to this program by transferring technology, supplying key equipment, and offering technical assistance to ICN. In addition, ICN shipyard teams received training in submarine construction techniques in France, as part of an extensive training program for Brazilian welders, metal formers, plumbers, and electricians.

The Brazilian Navy commissioned the first submarine in this class in September 2022. The second, Humaitá (S41), followed in January 2024.

The Scorpène submarine, designed by Naval Group, is a conventional propulsion attack submarine tailored to meet the operational needs of modern navies such as the Brazilian Navy. It is a robust, multipurpose vessel capable of a full range of submarine operations, including anti-surface and anti-submarine warfare, special operations, intelligence missions, and both coastal and open-ocean patrols.

The units are approximately 66.4 meters long, with a beam of 6.2 meters and a draught of 5.7 meters. They are built for operations in both deep and shallow waters, offering acoustic stealth, long endurance, and strong combat capability. Typically, they are equipped with six 533 mm torpedo/missile launch tubes and can carry up to 18 weapons, including torpedoes, anti-ship missiles, and mines, depending on configuration.