TKMS: Steel cut for Brazil’s fourth Tamandaré-class frigate

Brazil’s Tamandaré-class frigate program has reached a major industrial milestone, with steel cutting underway for the fourth ship, Mariz e Barros (F203), marking the first time all four vessels are under active construction simultaneously in Brazil.

The start of steel cutting for Mariz e Barros (F203) at TKMS Estaleiro Brasil Sul signals the transition of the Tamandaré-class program into full-rate production. With this step, the shipyard is now building all four frigates of the class in parallel.

According to the shipbuilder, the milestone highlights both the industrial capacity and technological precision achieved at the Brazilian facility. The Tamandaré program has been designed not only to deliver modern, multi-mission surface combatants for the Brazilian Navy, but also to embed advanced shipbuilding know-how within the national defense industry through structured technology transfer.

Full-scale production is expected to sustain thousands of direct and indirect jobs across Brazil’s naval industrial base, reinforcing long-term skills development and supply-chain resilience. The program has become a cornerstone of Brazil’s strategy to rebuild sovereign naval construction capacity.

With all four ships now under construction, TKMS Estaleiro Brasil Sul says the program remains on schedule.

The Tamandaré-class program is led by the Águas Azuis consortium, formed by TKMS, Embraer Defense & Security, and Atech, in partnership with Emgepron and the Brazilian Navy. Technology transfer and local shipbuilding are central to the project, which aims to enhance Brazil’s naval capabilities while developing its domestic defense industry.

The Tamandaré-class frigates measure 107 meters in length, displace around 3,500 tons, and have a top speed of 25 knots. Based on the German MEKO A100 design, the ships are equipped with MBDA’s Sea Ceptor air defense system, Exocet MM40 Block 3 anti-ship missiles, a Leonardo 76/62 main gun, torpedo launchers, and remote weapon stations.

Atech, in cooperation with Atlas Elektronik, is supplying the combat management and platform management systems, while Embraer is responsible for the integration of sensors and weaponry.

The construction of the first frigate began in 2022 with the first steel cut, followed by keel laying in March 2023. The ship completed sea trials off the coast of Brazil last summer, marking a decisive step toward the delivery of the vessel.