The second Riachuelo-class submarine for the Brazilian Navy, Humaitá, was launched on 11 December in a ceremony at Itaguaí Naval Base attended by President Jair Bolsonaro.
At the same time, the navy announced that sections of the third boat in the PROSUB programme, Tonelero, have been integrated ahead of its planned launch in December 2021. The fourth Riachuelo-class submarine, Angostura, is being assembled before its scheduled launch in December 2022; and work is under way on developing a prototype propulsion system for Álvaro Alberto, which will be the first nuclear-powered submarine for the Brazilian Navy when it is launched in the late 2020s.
Displacing 1,870t, the 71.6m-long Riachuelo class is a larger variant of the Scorpene design and are customised for Brazilian Navy operations with an ASW, ASuW, intelligence and special operations capability.
According to Shephard Defence Insight, weapon systems include six 533 mm torpedo tubes that can host F21 torpedoes or Exocet SM39 Block 2 Mod 2 anti-ship missiles.
As part of our promise to deliver comprehensive coverage to our Defence Insight and Premium News subscribers, our curated defence news content provides the latest industry updates, contract awards and programme milestones
The A$4 billion Landing Craft Heavy contract for Austal follows on from a A$1 billion deal in December for Landing Craft Medium ships, but the Australian government has made it clear that a contract for Mogami frigates is reliant on the success of these two contracts.
As part of the Runway Independent Maritime & Expeditionary Strike programme, the US Navy is pursuing drones capable of delivering palletised rounds or 1,000lb-class munitions.
Havelsan, VN Maritime and Piloda Defence will collaborate to develop and integrate a range of maritime solutions with a view to secure a first procurement contract in Italy in the first half of this year.
Export campaigns for Fincantieri’s submarines and frigates are central to the company’s ambitions as billions of dollars in unawarded contracts come into focus.
The USCG recently announced the award of a contract to Davie Defense for the supply of five ASCs, marking a major step in the acquisition programme as the US grows its presence in the Arctic.
As Russia commits billions to new warships and stealth submarines, the UK is reshaping its strategy with expanded troop deployments, shared frigate fleets and a shift towards uncrewed platforms.
Connect with us on socials
