Brazil starts operating first Riachuelo-class submarine
Commissioning ceremony in Itaguaí, Rio de Janeiro state. (Photo: Brazilian Navy)
The Brazilian Navy conduct on 1st September the commissioning ceremony of its first Riachuelo-class submarine in Itaguaí (Rio de Janeiro state). The eponymous lead boat is a diesel-electric attack submarine (SSK) that will operate off the Brazilian coast to support the protection of a 5.7 million km² area known as the Blue Amazon.
A press release issued by the Brazilian Navy noted that it will increase ‘the deterrent power of the Brazilian Armed Forces’.
The Brazilian Navy noted that, Riachuelo-class submarines are more versatile than the boats it already operates and ‘are considered operationally superior to several submarines currently available in the world’.
Shephard Defence Insight notes that Riachuelo-class SSKs are based on the Scorpene design from French shipbuilder Naval Group and feature six 533 mm torpedo tubes that can host F21 torpedoes or Exocet SM39 Block 2 Mod 2 anti-ship missiles.
This system was designed to replace the ageing Tupi and Tikuna-class systems and was acquired under the PROSUB programme, which comprises the procurement of five new submarines (four SSKs and one nuclear-powered).
Related Programmes in Defence Insight
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Naval Warfare
-
Desan Shipyard to build Malaysia’s largest ever coast guard vessel
The vessel should join the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency in 2017.
-
US Navy tests Aegis combat system for hypersonic missile defence
The Arleigh Burke destroyer USS Pinckney undertook the tests against a simulated SM-6 missile.
-
Royal Navy destroyer completes UAV live-fire exercise before heading to the Indo-Pacific
HMS Dauntless ran a full UAV test to mimic potential real-world threats.
-
Havelsan sells ADVENT CMS into Chilean Navy frigates
The system is intended to add enhanced operational precision to two ageing vessels.
-
Second rMCM vessel begins sea trials, advances autonomous minesweeping
The rMCM programme will ultimately comprise of 12 vessels, six each working for the Belgian and the Royal Netherlands Navy.
-
Long-delayed polar icebreaker programme gets cash and impetus boost
The US Government has awarded a significant contract to move along its Polar Security Cutter programme.