05 Junho 2025
The F202 began its production process on November 13, 2024, with the cutting of the first steel plate. This is the third vessel of the Tamandaré-class Frigate Program (PFCT).
The name of the frigate, Cunha Moreira (F202), honors Luís da Cunha Moreira, the Viscount of Cabo Frio, the first native-born Brazilian to serve as Minister of the Navy of Brazil.
He fought in the Napoleonic Wars and participated in the conquest of French Guiana. He was one of the key figures in the formation of Brazil’s First Squadron and played a fundamental role in consolidating the country’s political independence.
For the first time, three frigates are being built simultaneously in Brazil, consolidating national expertise in naval defense technology and paving the way for staggered deliveries through 2029.
PFCT ships are built using TKMS’s MEKO technology, which has already been applied in over 80 vessels across 16 countries, now adapted to the requirements of the Brazilian Navy. In addition, the lifecycle management model encompasses everything from design to decommissioning, positioning Brazil as a hub of excellence in sustainable naval defense.
The program envisions the construction of four highly complex ships. The first, F200 (Tamandaré Frigate), began construction in September 2022 and was launched in August 2024. The Jerônimo de Albuquerque Frigate (F201) had its keel laid in June 2024, with launch scheduled for the second half of this year.
"PFCT is progressing at an advanced pace. Today, we are conducting the simultaneous construction of three frigates in Brazil, a historic milestone for the national shipbuilding industry. This project not only strengthens our technological and defense capabilities but also generates over 23,000 jobs—direct, indirect, and induced—promoting large-scale economic and social development," said Fernando Queiroz, CEO of SPE Águas Azuis.
PFCT is integrated into the Federal Government’s New Growth Acceleration Program (Novo PAC) under the Innovation for the Defense Industry axis.
The frigates are being constructed at TKMS Estaleiro Brasil Sul, which has become the first digital shipyard in South America, incorporating cutting-edge technologies such as digital twins for assembly simulations, 3D monitoring, and real-time forecasting. Operations are fully paperless, with traceability ensured through digital solutions via kiosks and tablets, reducing errors and environmental impact.
Augmented reality features are being tested for remote validation of assemblies and real-time guidance for technicians, accelerating corrections and minimizing travel.
Another highlight of the program is the Combat Management System (CMS), developed in partnership between Brazilian company Atech and German Atlas Elektronik GmbH. The CMS integrates sensors and weapons, consolidating data to ensure situational awareness and efficient weapon use, with advanced algorithms to identify, classify, and neutralize threats. The project began in March 2020 and includes full delivery of the source code to the Navy, ensuring autonomy for future upgrades.
The system underwent Factory Acceptance Tests (FAT) at Atech’s headquarters in Rio de Janeiro and is already being integrated on board the first frigate (F200). The program also includes the Integrated Platform Management System (IPMS), developed by Atech and L3Harris, which allows remote monitoring and predictive maintenance of equipment.
The Keel Laying Ceremony
The Keel Laying Ceremony is a traditional naval construction event. During the ceremony, a coin is placed in the ship’s hull as a symbol of good luck and protection for the vessel and its crew. The first block built for the F202 corresponds to the forward engine room of the vessel. The metallic structure weighs approximately 52 tons and will eventually house two engines, a reduction gearbox, and auxiliary equipment.
Admiral of the Fleet Edgar Luiz Siqueira Barbosa, Director-General of Naval Material, emphasized: “The evolution of shipbuilding is essential to strengthen our sovereignty, economy, and presence in protecting the Blue Amazon. When we build our ships on Brazilian soil, we invest in our country’s development, generating jobs, technology, and innovation. Each Tamandaré-class frigate symbolizes our potential and our commitment to a stronger, independent future.”
About the Vessels
PFCT is a partnership between the Brazilian Navy and SPE Águas Azuis, formed by TKMS, Embraer Defense & Security, and Atech, and managed by the Naval Projects Management Company (EMGEPRON). The contract was signed in March 2020.
EMGEPRON, linked to the Ministry of Defense through the Brazilian Navy, promotes the Brazilian naval industry, manages projects, and supports the acquisition and maintenance of military naval material. TKMS provides MEKO-based technology, offering modularity and maintenance ease. Embraer Defense & Security integrates certain sensors and weapons into the combat system, contributing over 50 years of defense solutions expertise. Atech (Embraer group) provides systems engineering and integration, coordinating technology transfer for command, control, and surveillance to the Brazilian Navy, and is also responsible for developing and absorbing technology for two key ship systems: IPMS and CMS.
With a mission to strengthen Brazil’s defense, monitoring, and protection of the Blue Amazon, which covers 5.7 million km², these frigates will be essential for Maritime Area Control, the Defense of Oceanic Islands, Protection of Critical Maritime Infrastructure, and safeguarding Maritime Communication Lines, considering over 90% of Brazilian foreign trade occurs by sea. They also support Brazil’s Foreign Policy within the international context.
Program projections estimate the involvement of 2,000 professionals directly in construction, with around 6,000 indirect jobs and approximately 15,000 induced positions, totaling 23,000 jobs generated. The program involves over 1,000 suppliers nationwide, fostering micro, small, and medium enterprises in naval, electronics, steel, and IT services.
The frigates feature a flight deck, helicopter hangar, state-of-the-art radars, sensors, and weapons. Built with high local content and technology transfer, they enhance national shipbuilding and support the Defense Industrial Base (BID).
Technical Specifications of Tamandaré-class Frigates
Length: 107.2 m
Beam: 15.95 m
Height (Pontal): 20.2 m
Displacement: 3,500 tons
Range: 5,500 nautical miles
Speed: 25 knots (≈47 km/h)
Crew: approx. 130 personnel per frigate
Armament & Sensors: multifunction radars, depth sonar, anti-ship missile system, state-of-the-art naval guns
Helicopter hangar and flight deck with automatic landing system
Production modules: prefabricated blocks for rapid assembly and integration of onboard systems
