- Event in Itajaí brought together President Lula, Brazilian authorities and executives from the national and international defense industry.
- First of four vessels has already been delivered to the Brazilian Navy, while the second will begin sea trials in the second half of the year.
- Commitments recently signed by governments of Brazil and Germany as well as TKMS and other stakeholders foresee possible construction of four additional Tamandaré Class frigates.
Itajaí, June 26, 2026 – This week in Itajaí, Brazil, TKMS celebrated the launch of the frigate “Cunha Moreira” (F202), the third vessel in the Tamandaré programme (PFCT), the most modern and innovative naval project ever developed in Brazil.
The ceremony took place at TKMS Estaleiro Brasil Sul and was attended by the President of Brazil, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, the Minister of Defense, José Múcio Monteiro, the Commander of the Brazilian Navy, Marcos Sampaio Olsen, Paulo Alvarenga, CEO of TKMS Brazil, together with other high-ranking representatives from participating companies, as well as civil and military authorities and representatives of the defense industry. The traditional launching ceremony of the vessel was conducted by its godmother, Mrs. Marcella Olsen, wife of the Commander of the Brazilian Navy.
Paulo Alvarenga CEO of TKMS Brazil: “The progress of the Tamandaré Class frigates demonstrates the Brazilian industry’s capability to execute complex and strategic projects for national sovereignty. The launching of the Cunha Moreira symbolizes not only another important milestone of the PFCT, but also the consolidation of a long-standing partnership between Brazil and Germany. Through the consistent and reliable execution of the program, the shipyard has developed a proven track record in delivering complex naval platforms, creating opportunities to support the naval requirements of regional partners of the Brazilian Navy.”
The event marks another milestone in the modernization of Brazil’s naval capabilities and reinforces TKMS’ commitment to technology transfer, strengthening the national Defense Industrial Base and advancing military shipbuilding capabilities in the country.
The frigate “Tamandaré” (F200), the first ship of this class, has been commissioned into the Brazilian Navy and officially entered service in April. The frigate “Jerônimo de Albuquerque” (F201), the second ship of this class, will begin sea trials in the second half of this year. Construction of the fourth frigate has also already begun.
The strategic partnership between Brazil and Germany in the defense sector continues to progress. Both governments recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding to expand cooperation through the possible construction of four further Tamandaré-class frigates. This commitment was further reinforced by a Memorandum of Understanding signed by TKMS, Embraer, Atech and the Brazilian Ministry of Defense to carry out studies relating to a possible second batch for the Brazilian Navy.
