On the same day, the Brazilian Navy carried out two important milestones of the Submarine Development Program (PROSUB): the christening of the S43 Almirante Karam submarine and the commissioning of the S42 Tonelero, both belonging to the Riachuelo class.
According to the Brazilian Navy, the delivery of a new submarine and the progress in the construction of another represent the direct result of a broad technological cooperation program with European partners, which enabled Brazil to develop high-technology submarines with increasing industrial independence.
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The S43 Almirante Karam is the first Riachuelo-class submarine built entirely in Brazil by the Itaguaí Construções Navais (ICN) shipyard. The new vessel will significantly expand Brazil’s surveillance, control, and defense capabilities along its extensive coastline, integrating modern systems essential for naval operations.
Riachuelo Class: extended derivative of the Scorpène design
The Riachuelo class derives from the Scorpène family of submarines, developed by the French Naval Group, but with significant modifications: the hull was extended by about five meters, ensuring greater autonomy and operational endurance.
The submarines are equipped with:
- Crew: 8 officers and 34 sailors
- Submerged displacement: 2,000 tons
- Operational depth: up to 300 meters
- Speed: around 40 km/h
- Endurance: 70 days
- Length: almost 72 meters
- Diameter: 6 meters
Armament: heavy MBDA F21 torpedoes and SM39 Block 2 Mod 2 Exocet anti-ship missiles
Structural advances of PROSUB
Launched in 2008 in partnership with France, PROSUB provided Brazil with strategic advancements, including:
- Construction of a modern shipyard
- Implementation of a naval base for submarines
- Creation of an industrial production complex
- Large-scale technology transfer
One of the main achievements was the creation of naval infrastructure in Itaguaí (RJ), now a hub for submarine systems development.
Next step: Brazilian nuclear submarine
With the maturity acquired through the program, the Navy is now focusing efforts on developing the nuclear-powered submarine SN-10 Álvaro Alberto, scheduled for launch in 2034.
Structurally, the project is based on the French Scorpène, but will feature extensive national adaptations. The SN-10 is expected to have six 533 mm torpedo tubes and will be capable of employing anti-ship and cruise missiles, marking an unprecedented technological leap in Brazil’s naval history.
Source and images: Agência Marinha de Notícias. This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
