thyssenkrupp Marine Systems (TKMS) has marked another major milestone in Brazil’s ambitious naval modernisation programme with the launching of the Cunha Moreira (F202), the third Tamandaré-class frigate being built for the Brazilian Navy.

The launching ceremony, held at TKMS Estaleiro Brasil Sul in Itajaí, was attended by Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, Brazilian Defence Minister José Múcio Monteiro, Commander of the Brazilian Navy Marcos Sampaio Olsen, senior representatives of TKMS, government officials and executives from Brazil’s defence industry. The traditional launching ceremony was performed by the ship’s godmother, Marcella Olsen, wife of the Brazilian Navy Commander.

The launch represents another important step in the Tamandaré Programme (PFCT), regarded as the most advanced and technologically sophisticated naval shipbuilding programme ever undertaken in Brazil. Beyond delivering four modern multi-mission frigates, the programme is intended to strengthen Brazil’s indigenous naval industrial capabilities through extensive technology transfer, industrial cooperation and the development of local expertise in complex military shipbuilding.

According to Paulo Alvarenga, the successful progress of the programme demonstrates the ability of Brazilian industry to execute highly complex strategic defence projects while reinforcing the long-term industrial partnership between Brazil and Germany. He noted that the consistent execution of the programme has established the shipyard as a capable builder of advanced naval platforms and could create future opportunities to support the naval requirements of regional partner nations.

The programme has already achieved significant progress. The lead ship, Tamandaré (F200), entered operational service with the Brazilian Navy earlier this year following its commissioning in April. The second vessel, Jerônimo de Albuquerque (F201), is expected to begin sea trials during the second half of 2026, while construction of the fourth and final ship of the initial production batch is already underway.

The Tamandaré-class programme has become a flagship example of defence cooperation between Brazil and Germany, combining European naval design expertise with Brazilian industrial participation. It has significantly expanded domestic capabilities in military ship construction while contributing to the development of Brazil’s national defence industrial base.

The partnership may now be entering a new phase. During the event, attention also focused on recently signed agreements between the governments of Brazil and Germany aimed at expanding bilateral defence cooperation. The two countries have signed a Memorandum of Understanding that envisages the possible construction of an additional four Tamandaré-class frigates for the Brazilian Navy.

This initiative has been further reinforced through a separate Memorandum of Understanding signed by TKMS together with Embraer, Atech and the Brazilian Ministry of Defence to conduct studies for a potential second batch of ships.

Should the programme move forward, it would substantially expand Brazil’s future surface fleet while further strengthening the long-standing strategic partnership between the Brazilian and German defence industries. For TKMS, the launch of Cunha Moreira not only marks another successful milestone in one of its largest international naval programmes but also reinforces its position as a key partner in the long-term modernisation of the Brazilian Navy.