Rio de Janeiro: Emgepron, an independent state company under Brazilian Ministry of Defense and Águas Azuis, a company created by ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems, Embraer Defense and Security and Atech, inked a contract for building four state-of-the-art Tamandaré Class Ships with deliveries scheduled between 2025 and 2028.
The construction will take place 100 per cent in Brazil, and is expected to have local content rates above 30 per cent for the first vessel and 40 per cent for the others. ThyssenKrupp will supply the naval technology of its proven MEKO® class shipbuilding platform of defence vessels that is already in operation in 15 countries.
Embraer will integrate sensors and weaponry into the combat system, bringing also to the programme its 50 years’ experience in systems technology solutions and in-service support.
“We are grateful to participate again in such important milestone in the history of Brazil’s naval defence with the most advanced ships in their class. Looking back the great achievements we had since the construction of Tupi Class submarines in 1980s, it is a recognition of the technological excellence, reliability and longevity solutions we have offered for almost two centuries. The Tamandaré Class Programme will strengthen our ties by transfering technology and generating highly qualified jobs for the country,” said Dr Rolf Wirtz, CEO of ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems.
Besides construction, the contract includes a sustained transfer of technology in naval engineering for building military ships and combat and platform management systems, as well as integrated logistical support and lifecycle management.
The Tamandaré class programme has the potential to generate direct and indirect job opportunities of high level of qualification. It provides for a solid national partnership model with proven ability to transfer technology and qualify local labour, which guarantees the development of future strategic defence projects in Brazil.
The naval alliance between ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems and Embraer Defense and Security can also enable creating a base for exporting naval defence products from Brazil.
