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
-
![A400M trial demonstrates airborne deployment of uncrewed surface vessel]()
A400M trial demonstrates airborne deployment of uncrewed surface vessel
Kraken Technology Group’s A400M airdrop of a K3 Scout uncrewed surface vessel points to a new way for navies to insert USVs into contested waters, bypassing ports and motherships.
-
![From the seas to the web: the changing shape of UK defence in Southeast Asia]()
From the seas to the web: the changing shape of UK defence in Southeast Asia
As his final engagement before leaving his post as the head of the British defence staff for Southeast Asia and defence adviser to Singapore, Brigadier Eddie Maskell-Pedersen spoke with Shephard about maritime security, cyber cooperation and long-term partnerships.
-
![How the Belgium-Netherlands MCM programme is reshaping naval mine warfare]()
How the Belgium-Netherlands MCM programme is reshaping naval mine warfare
As the Belgian-Dutch replacement mine countermeasure programme progresses, it is becoming clear that motherships will be integral to future MCM operations. Seven years on from the programme’s inception, the impact of its forward-looking approach can be seen through the procurement strategies of its Western allies today.
-
![Naval primes dive into an underwater acquisition gold rush]()
Naval primes dive into an underwater acquisition gold rush
A cluster of acquisitions by Fincantieri, Thales, Lockheed Martin and Rheinmetall points to a race to secure underwater warfare, autonomy and sensing capability.
-
![Baltic naval priorities shift towards mine warfare and versatile platforms]()
Baltic naval priorities shift towards mine warfare and versatile platforms
Baltic states are investing in mine warfare, uncrewed systems and multirole platforms as major warship purchases remain scarce, industry sources indicate.
