Keel laid for Brazil's MEKO-based Tamandaré frigate

On 24 March, The Brazilian Navy and Águas Azuis, a special-purpose entity formed by ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (TKMS), Embraer Defense & Security and Atech laid the keel for a future Brazilian Tamandaré frigate.

The keel laying saw a section of the ship corresponding to the forward engine room, which will be fitted with two engines, a gearbox and other equipment, positioned at its build site.

TKMS CEO Oliver Burkhard said: 'We will provide the Brazilian Navy with high-end frigates that combine the edge of naval technology, innovation and robust combat capabilities and that will contribute greatly to Brazil's national security in protecting the Amazônia Azul and beyond.'

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Tamandaré will be launched in mid-2024 and delivered to the Brazilian Navy by the end of 2025.

Steel cutting for the second-in-class ship is scheduled for later this year.

The Tamandaré-class is based on the German MEKO A-100 design and the programme is part of the Brazilian Navy's plan to expand and modernise its fleet with new multi-role vessels.

The ships have been designed to be fitted with MBDA CAMM missiles, a Leonardo 76/62mm main gun, and a Bofors 40 Mk4 secondary weapon system.