Brazil’s nuclear-powered submarine project reaches new milestone
The Álvaro Alberto is expected to be commissioned in 2034. It has been reported that the SSN will cost $2.4 billion. (Photo: Government of Brazil)
The first steel plates of a test section for the future nuclear-powered attack submarine ‘Álvaro Alberto’ have been cut during a ceremony organised by Itaguaí Construções Navais (ICN) and the Brazilian Navy.
Last week, the ICN and the Brazilian Navy held the Cutting Ceremony of the 1st plate of the qualification section of the Conventionally Armed Nuclear-Powered Submarine (SCPN) Álvaro Alberto, whose name honours Admiral Árvaro Alberto, one of the first scholars in the field of nuclear energy in Brazil.
The cut represents a historic milestone in the constructive process of the PROSUB project’s main goal, the nuclear-powered submarine.
‘This milestone is a source of great pride for me and for all ICN employees,’ said Renaud Poyet, director president of the ICN.
Related Articles
Embraer and Brazilian Army successfully complete testing of M200 Vigilante radar
How Brazil will invest over $10 billion in new defence programmes
‘The construction of the Qualification Section precedes the construction of the first section, which could effectively be part of the submarine’s resistant hull: A step that will raise our technology to the level of countries such as France, the US, China, England and Russia,' Poyet added.
‘And the Brazilian Navy, in command of this modern means, will have all the conditions to protect the vast Brazilian coast. I am very happy to be part of this day together with all those responsible for achieving this great achievement.’
The Álvaro Alberto is expected to be commissioned in 2034. It has been reported that the SSN will cost $2.4 billion.
Following the successful delivery of the four Riachuelo-class SSKs, which are due to all enter service between 2022 and 2025, the construction of the fifth submarine under the PROSUB project is expected to begin and is due to be launched in 2031.
The PROSUB programme will see Brazil develop and domestically build four diesel-electric submarines and a nuclear-powered submarine.
Related Programmes in Defence Insight
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Naval Warfare
-
![US Coast Guard enhances Arctic protection with a new Fast Response Cutter]()
US Coast Guard enhances Arctic protection with a new Fast Response Cutter
After commissioning, FRC Frederick Mann will operate in Alaska and perform multiple missions.
-
![US Coast Guard announces measures to further implement Force Design 2028 strategy]()
US Coast Guard announces measures to further implement Force Design 2028 strategy
The US Coast Guard (USCG) created new units, including five Programme Executive Offices (PEOs), to facilitate and speed up the procurement of new capabilities.
-
![Future of the US Navy’s Arleigh Burke programme remains unclear]()
Future of the US Navy’s Arleigh Burke programme remains unclear
The US Navy does not have a precise date for the award of the procurement contract for the third Arleigh Burke-class destroyer despite having the funds to advance with the programme in FY2025.
-
![US Navy may look to foreign suppliers to accelerate shipbuilding programmes]()
US Navy may look to foreign suppliers to accelerate shipbuilding programmes
The US Navy (USN) is currently reassessing its acquisition efforts and seeking ways to reduce the multiple delays across the shipbuilding initiatives.
-
![Australia commissions HMAS Arafura three-and-a-half years behind schedule]()
Australia commissions HMAS Arafura three-and-a-half years behind schedule
The Royal Australian Navy has finally commissioned the first Arafura-class offshore patrol vessel – more than three years behind schedule – highlighting the programme’s delays, design compromises and ongoing industrial restructuring.
-
![Italy orders two ships as work begins on others along with deliveries and updates]()
Italy orders two ships as work begins on others along with deliveries and updates
The Italian Navy is being refreshed with two new ships ordered, while in the past six months steel was cut for a new frigate, an enhanced frigate was delivered and Horizon-class frigates passed a design review.
