Brazilian Navy’s third Tamandaré-class frigate hits the water

June 30, 2026, by Fatima Bahtić

German shipbuilding major TKMS has held a launching ceremony for the third Tamandaré-class frigate being built for the Brazilian Navy.

As informed, the ceremony took place last week in Itajaí, Brazil. The frigate Cunha Moreira (F202) is the third vessel in the Tamandaré Program (PFCT), regarded as the most modern and innovative naval project developed in Brazil.

The ceremony was held at TKMS Estaleiro Brasil Sul and attended by Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, Defense Minister José Múcio Monteiro, Brazilian Navy Commander Marcos Sampaio Olsen, and Paulo Alvarenga, CEO of TKMS Brazil, alongside senior representatives from participating companies, civil authorities and defense industry officials.

The frigate Cunha Moreira is named in honor of Luís da Cunha Moreira, Viscount of Cabo Frio, the first Brazilian-born individual to serve as Minister of the Navy of independent Brazil.

Born in Salvador, Bahia, in 1777, Cunha Moreira took part in the conquest of French Guiana and played a decisive role in organizing Brazil’s First Squadron following independence. His efforts were instrumental in establishing the Imperial Brazilian Navy, consolidating national sovereignty, and safeguarding the territorial integrity of the newly independent state, according to the officials.

According to Alvarega, the evolution of the Tamandaré-cass Frigate Program demonstrates the consolidation of a strategic industrial capacity for the country.

“With the incorporation of the ‘Tamandaré’ Frigate, the upcoming sea trials of the ‘Jerônimo de Albuquerque’ Frigate, and now the launch of the ‘Cunha Moreira’ Frigate, we are witnessing the combination of German quality and planning with Brazilian creativity and resilience, resulting in continuous and consistent progress,” he stated.

The first vessel in this class, Tamandaré (F200), was delivered to the Brazilian Navy and commissioned in April. The second vessel, Jerônimo de Albuquerque (F201), is scheduled to begin sea trials in the second half of this year.

Brazilian Navy commissions first Tamandaré-class frigate

Vessels

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.