08 Agosto 2025
The Brazilian Navy (MB), the Special Purpose Entity (SPE) Águas Azuis, and the Naval Projects Management Company (EMGEPRON) held the Launching Ceremony of the second frigate planned under the Tamandaré-class Frigate Program (PFCT) on Friday, September 8. The event took place at TKMS Estaleiro Brasil Sul in Itajaí, Santa Catarina.
The ship was named Jerônimo de Albuquerque in honor of the first Brazilian-born commander of a Navy fleet. The vessel has significant combat capabilities to protect the over 5.7 million km² of the Blue Amazon maritime area. It can monitor and combat pollution, piracy, illegal fishing, among other threats, and is also prepared to fulfill international commitments, with the capacity to conduct maritime search and rescue operations.
The F201 began construction in November 2023, with the cutting of the first steel plate, and underwent its Keel Laying Ceremony in June 2024, marking the start of the assembly of the ship’s blocks.
Launching Ceremony and Baptism of the Frigate Jerônimo de Albuquerque (F201)
In keeping with naval tradition, Mrs. Lu Alckmin, wife of the Vice President of Brazil, christened the frigate by breaking a bottle of sparkling wine against the hull. The baptism of ships dates back to rituals practiced by Vikings, Romans, Greeks, and Babylonians. When christened by a godmother, the vessel officially receives its name.
The ceremony was attended by the Vice President of Brazil and Minister of Development, Industry, Trade and Services, Geraldo Alckmin; the Minister of Defense, José Mucio Monteiro; the Commander of the Navy, Admiral Marcos Sampaio Olsen; CEO of Águas Azuis, Fernando Queiroz; CEO of thyssenkrupp South America, Paulo Alvarenga; CEO of Embraer Defense & Security, Bosco da Costa Junior; representatives of the admiralty; and employees of TKMS Estaleiro Brasil Sul.
In the coming days, the ship will be launched into the water through a “load-out” operation, which involves moving the vessel to a floating dock. This will be followed by a controlled immersion until the ship achieves its own buoyancy. This is a complex procedure, after which the frigate will be transferred to the quay for final outfitting and testing, before proceeding to sea trials.
The Tamandaré-class Frigate Program (PFCT)
The PFCT is part of the Federal Government’s New Growth Acceleration Program (Novo PAC) under the innovation axis for the defense industry and aligns with Mission No. 6 – “Technologies of Interest for National Sovereignty and Defense” – of the industrial policy “Nova Indústria Brasil” (NIB).
Building the frigates on Brazilian soil, with a high level of local content and technology transfer, promotes national development, generates skilled jobs, and strengthens high-tech sectors.
The frigates are designed to combine advanced technology with environmental responsibility. Shipbuilding is supported by tools such as digital twins, virtual models that allow simulation of all assembly stages before actual execution. The shipyard also uses 3D monitoring systems to track the physical progress in real time, increasing precision and reducing waste.
Another highlight is the Combat Management System (CMS), the “brain” of the ship, developed in partnership by Brazilian company Atech and German company Atlas Elektronik GmbH. The CMS integrates information from all sensors and weapons of the Tamandaré-class frigates, transforming complex data into a clear situational overview. Using algorithms, the CMS can detect, classify, and prioritize threats automatically, recommending the best defense strategy based on available onboard resources.
