Brazilian Navy commissions first Tamandaré-class frigate

April 27, 2026, by Fatima Bahtić

The first Tamandaré-class frigate (F200), built at the TKMS shipyard in Itajaí in less than four years, has been commissioned into the Brazilian Navy fleet.

The Tamandaré Class Frigates Program (PFCT) is led by the Brazilian Navy, managed by EMGEPRON (Naval Projects Management Company), and executed by Águas Azuis, a special-purpose entity formed by TKMS, Embraer, and Atech.

The ceremony was attended by TKMS CEO Oliver Burkhard, other high-ranking representatives from TKMS and participating companies, as well as from the Brazilian Navy and government, including Admiral Marcos Sampaio Olsen, Commander of the Brazilian Navy.

The Tamandaré-class frigates are based on the MEKO A-100 platform, developed by TKMS and recognized for its modularity, operational flexibility, and ability to adapt to different mission scenarios.

Equipped with modern combat systems, sensors, and weaponry, the F200 sets a new technological and operational benchmark for the Brazilian Navy.

With its delivery, Brazil joins a group of 18 navies worldwide that operate surface vessels supplied by TKMS. In addition to the F200, three more frigates will be delivered to the Brazilian Navy by 2029.

“We have been partners of the Brazilian Navy since the 1980s, when we jointly developed the successful Tupi-class submarines. The commissioning of the Tamandaré frigate now represents a new milestone in this journey, and TKMS stands ready to continue it with a second batch of four additional ships. The signing of a Memorandum of Understanding in this regard is a strong sign of the deep trust between us and Brazil,” said Oliver Burkhard, CEO of TKMS.

“The project demonstrates how structured international cooperation can enhance strategic capabilities while strengthening the local industrial base.”

“The Tamandaré Class Frigates Program is a concrete example of technology transfer, strengthening of the defense industrial base, and value creation for the country. We are proud to contribute to enhancing the operational capabilities of the Brazilian Navy,” Paulo Alvarenga, CEO of TKMS Brazil, commented.

The lead ship, Tamandaré, has a length of 107 meters, a displacement of 3,500 tons, and a top speed of 25 knots.

Based on the German MEKO A100 design, the frigates are armed with MBDA’s SeaCeptor 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 TKMS Atlas Elektronik, is supplying the combat management and platform management systems, while Embraer integrates sensors and weaponry.

Construction began in 2022 with the first steel cut, followed by keel laying in March 2023 at thyssenkrupp Estaleiro Brasil Sul in Itajaí, Santa Catarina. The ship was launched in mid-2024, while the sea trials were completed off the coast of Brazil in August 2025.