This Thursday (5/3), in Rio de Janeiro, EMGEPRON, an independent state company linked to the Ministry of Defense through the Brazilian Navy Command, and Águas Azuis, a company formed by thyssenkrupp Marine Systems, Embraer Defense & Security and Atech signed the contract for the construction of four state-of-the-art Tamandaré Class ships, with delivery scheduled between 2025 and 2028.
Construction will be carried out 100% in Brazil, in Itajaí (SC), with expectations of local content rates above 30% for the first ship and 40% for the others. thyssenkrupp will supply the naval technology of its proven MEKO® Class defense ship building platform, which already operates in 15 countries. Embraer will integrate sensors and weapons into the combat system, adding to the program its 50 years of experience in systems technology solutions and in-service support.
Atech, an Embraer Group company specialized in systems engineering for Defense applications, will be the supplier of the CMS (Combat Management System) and the IPMS (Integrated Platform Management System, by L3 MAPPS) and the recipient of technology transfer in cooperation with ATLAS ELEKTRONIK, a subsidiary of thyssenkrupp Marine Systems that produces the CMS and sonar systems.
“We are grateful to be able to participate again in such an important milestone in the history of naval defense in Brazil with the most advanced ships in their class. We recall the great achievements we have had, since the construction of the Tupi Class submarines in the 1980s, and this is the recognition of the technological excellence, reliability and longevity of the solutions we have been offering for almost two centuries. The Tamandaré Class Program will strengthen our ties, through the transfer of technology and the generation of highly qualified jobs for the country”, says Dr. Rolf Wirtz, CEO of thyssenkrupp Marine Systems.
“This partnership validates efforts to expand our defense and security portfolio beyond the aeronautical segment. In recent years, we have acquired experience in the development and integration of complex systems, among others, in order to make Embraer qualified to meet the needs of the Brazilian Navy, in addition to strengthening our position as a strategic partner of the Brazilian State”, says the CEO. of Embraer Defense & Security, Jackson Schneider.
In addition to construction, the contract includes robust technology transfer in naval engineering for manufacturing military ships and combat and platform management systems, as well as integrated logistical support and lifecycle management of the vessels.
The Tamandaré Class Program has the potential to generate high-skilled direct and indirect jobs. It provides for a solid model of national partnership with proven ability to transfer technology and qualify local labor, which guarantees the development of future strategic defense projects in Brazil.
The naval alliance between thyssenkrupp Marine Systems and Embraer Defense & Security will also create bases for the export of naval defense products from Brazil.
MEKO®: the authentic ship for blue waters
The new multi-mission ships will be based on thyssenkrupp Marine Systems’ proven MEKO® Class shipbuilding solutions, already used on 82 vessels operating in navies in 15 countries, including Portugal, Greece, Australia, Argentina and Algeria. MEKO®’s unique modular design concept facilitates local integration and technology transfer, helping to reduce maintenance and modernization costs. Combining state-of-the-art technology, innovation and robust combat capabilities, the MEKO® Class is an authentic blue water escort ship with exceptional qualities of autonomy and robustness.
About Águas Azuis
Águas Azuis is a special purpose partnership established between thyssenkrupp Marine Systems, Embraer Defense & Security and Atech, an Embraer subsidiary, for the construction of four new Tamandaré Class ships, in order to expand and modernize the Brazilian Navy fleet. . It will have a strong presence in the country and will rely on the solid experience of its parent companies in several areas.
The member companies have a solid and long history of relationships, in addition to a strong presence in several countries. Leader of the Águas Azuis naval partnership, thyssenkrupp Marine Systems, a thyssenkrupp Group company, is one of the world’s leading suppliers of systems for submarines and naval surface vessels, as well as maritime safety technologies with a centuries-old history of shipbuilding. Embraer Defense & Security, Embraer’s business unit, is present in more than 60 countries and is a leader in the aerospace and defense industry in Latin America.
Atech, a subsidiary of Embraer, develops innovative solutions for air traffic control, command and control systems, cyber security, instrumentation and control systems, embedded systems, simulators and logistics. It also works in other strategic projects of the Brazilian Navy, such as LABGENE (laboratory for the generation of nuclear energy), for which it develops Control and Protection systems and the tactical combat missions system for the H225M/H-XBR SUPER COUGAR from Brazil’s navy.