Future of the Brazilian Navy

The largest Navy of South-America

Cartography
Of the entire Brazilian land aera, 55,460 km2 (21,410 sq mi) or +/- 6% were of water (rivers/lakes). Coastline 7,491 km (4,655 mi).

Personnal Strenght: 32 000+
+/- 29 000 sailors (+ 3000 conscript), Naval Aviation: +/- 1300.

1 Aircraft-Carrier
The Brazilian Navy is planning to build one (or two?, but unlikely) new aircraft-carriers by 2018/2030. A conventionally powered design with 2 catapults is very likely (+/- 40/50 000 tons). The only design seriously considered are :
- The Franco-British CVF design (in this case, the sale of HMS Queen Elizabeth is possible around 2015-2020).
- The French PA 02 design (probably built under technology transfer).
Wait & See...

1 Sao-Paulo
(Sao-Paulo), Ex-French Foch carrier, 24/32 000 tons, 260 meters, built by 19­60, transferred by 2000. In early Brazilian service, this ship experienced some technical problems (catapults, Machinery), upgraded by 2005-2010. Very likely to remain in service at least until late 2010’s/early 2020’s….

9 Frigates
Up to 5 Frigates
Under the PROSUPER program, a group of 5 newer +/- 6000 tons frigates expected to be (locally, likely under technology transfert) built by +/- 2015/2022. The main (serious) current candidates are: - French/DCNS Aquitaine/FREMM.
- Italian/Fincantieri Carlo Bergamini/FREMM.
- British/BAR Type 26 or the four "second-hand" Type 22 Batch III frigates ?
- German/ThyssenKrupp MEKO 125 or MEKO 500/600 ?
- Spanish/Navantia Alvaro de Bazan/F-100 or the newer F2M2 trimaran concept ?
- South-Korean/Hyundai/Daewoo KDX-II or KDX-IIA ?
Wait & See...

6 Niteroi
(Niteroi, Defensora, Constitucao, Liberal, Independencia, Uniao). 3500 tons, 129 meters (British Mk 10 Vosper frigate design). Commissioned by 1976/1980, with probable 30 year of life, now obsolete frigates, to be replaced by fewer (5) and biggers (up to 6000 tons) ships around 2016/2022.

3 Type 22
(Greenhalgh, Bosisio, Rademaker). 4400 tons, 131 meters (Ex-British Type 22 Batch I frigates commissioned by 1979/1982). Transferred by 1995/1997 (170 $ million for four ships, currently the fourth frigate was retired since 2004 and progressively cannibalized as spare part). To be retired by late 2010's and replaced by ?

Submarines (toward a full renewal)
Up to 1 SSN
Expected to be delivered around 2021/2024. Improved/enlarged design from the Brazilian Scorpene.

Up to 4 Scorpene
The first SSK was initially built in France, towed to Brazil for completion (around 2015). The three others were expected to be fully built in Brazil and delivered by 2018/2021.

5 Type 209
(Tupi, Tamoio, Timbira, Tapajo, Tikuna), 1800 tons, 64 meters, german SSK design of 1970’s. The first four were commissioned by 1989/1999. The last SSK (Tikuna, of Type 209/1400), were commissioned by 2005. Likely all expected to be retired around 2018/2025.

Corvettes/OPV
Up to 5 OPV
Under the PROSUPER program, a group of 5 newer 1800 tons OPV expected to be locally built by 2016/2022. The main (serious) current candidates are:
- A locally designed OPV (much improved Barroso design ?).
- Chilean/Asmar 80 meters OPV design.
- French/DCNS Gowind OPV.
- Spanish/Navantia Meteoro or POVZEE/Caribe or Guaicamacuto/BVL design ?
- a Italian/Fincantieri OPV design.
- a British/BAE OPV design (or maybe a deal for the 3 former OPV intended for Trinidad & Tobago ?
Wait & See...

4 Inhaúma
(Inhaúma, Jaceguai, Júlio de Noronha, Frontin), 1800 tons, 95 meters corvette (design help from Germany). Locally built, this class suffered from delays due to Brazilian shipyards/industry shorthcoming. Commissioned by 1989/1994, with probable 30 year of life, to be retired by late 2010’s/mid 2020’s.

1 Barroso
(Barroso), 2000+ tons, 103 meters, improved from the Inhaúma design (and suffered from the same problems…). Commissioned by 2008, with probable +/- 30 years of life, to remain in service until mid 2030’s.

+/- 5 Large Amphibious Ships
2 Ceará (LSD)
(Ceará, Rio de Janeiro), 7000/11 000 tons, 155 meters LSD (Ex-US ageing LSD of the Thomaston class built during the 1950’s). Transferred by 1989, now totally obsolete, These two ships should be replaced by the end of the 2010 decade by “second-hands” amphibious ships (maybe French Foudre/Sirocco or vessels or by newer ships (French Mistral, German, South-Korean Dokhdo…).

1 Mattoso Maia (LST)
(Mattoso Maia), 8000+ tons, 169 meters (Ex-US LST of the Newport class built by late 1960's), transferred by 2001; Now ageing ship, likely to be replaced by late 2010’s.

2 Ex-Sir class (LST)
(Almirante Sabóia , Garcia D'Avila), 6700/8000+ tons, 137/140 meters (Ex-British LST design, built by1960’s/1980’s), transferred by 2007/2009, likely to remain in Brazilian service at least until mid 2020’s.

Nota: The 3 ageing US LSD/LST were likely expected to be replaced by late 2010's/early 2020's by 2 or 3 newer amphibious ships (newer built or second-hands ships ?).
Wait & See...

Small Amphibious
3 LCU-1610
(Guarapari, Tambau, Camboriu), 200 tons, 41 meters, built by 1978/1989, now not used in a amphibious role but mainly for logistic transport.

5 LCM
(GED-801) 61 tons, 21 meters. LCM derived from the US LCM(8) design. All commissioned by 1994.

3 LCM(6)
24 tons, 17 meters.

+/- 30 EDVP (LCVP)
13 tons, 10+ meters.

6 Mine-Hunters
6 Aratu
(Aratu, Anhatomirim, Atalaia, Aracatuba, Abrolhos, Albardao). 250 tons, 47 meters, (German coastal mineweespers design). Commissioned by 1971/1975.

+/- 2 Fleet Tankers/Replenishment Ships
Up to 1 newer Fleet Tanker
Under the PROSUPER program, a newer Fleet Tanker were expected to be commissioned by 2015/2018. The main (serious) current candidates are:
- French/DCNS Brave design
- Italian/Fincantieri Etna or improved Etna design ?
- Spanish/Navantia Cantabria design ?
- British/BAE design ?
- Others ?
Wait & See...

1 Almirante Gastao Motta
(Almirante Gastao Motta), 8300 tons, 135 meters, built by 1991. Likely to remain in service until mid 2020's.

1 Marajo
(Marajo), 16 000 tons, 137 meters, built by 1968. Low Speed and unreliable engine. Status uncertain.

+/- 22 Mid-Shore Patrol Boats
Up to 6 Macae
(Macaé, Macau, Maracana, Maragogipe, Matinhos, Mangaratiba). 500 tons, 56 meters. Derived from the French P400 design. Commissioned since 2009.

6 Piratini
(Piratini, Piraja, Pampeiro, Parati, Penedo, Poti). 140+ tons, 29 meters. Derived from the USCG Cape Class, built by 1970/1971, likely to be retired by late 2010's.

12 Grajau
(Grajau, Guaiba, Grauna, Goiana, Guajara, Guaporé, Gurupa, Gurupi, Guanabara, Guaruja, Guaratuba, Gravatai). 210+ tons, 46 meters. Commissioned by 1993/2000, to remain in service until at least mid 2020's.

4 Bracui
(Bracui, Benevente, Bocaina, Babitonga). 630 tons, 47 meters. (Ex-British River class, 1980’s built), transferred by 1998, likely to be retired by late 2010's.

2 Amorin Do Valle (Survey Vessels)
(Amorin Do Valle, Taurus). 630 tons, 47 meters. Ex-British mineweepers transferred by 1995, likely to be retired by late 2010's.

+/- 160 In-Shore Patrol Boats
Up to 16 Avinpa-21
40 tons, 22 meters. Status of this program is uncertain.

+/- 144 LAEP
Few different models from 7 to 11 meters, built since mid 1990’s.

6 Tracker-20
39 tons, 20+ meters, built by 1991/1995.

10 Swift MkII
22 tons, 15 meters. 4 Ex-US transferred by 1972/1973, the six others built during 1980’s.

Others logistic/transports Ships
1 Atlantico Sul (Logistic Support Ship)
(Atlantico Sul). 39 000 tons, 188 meters. Acquired by 2001.

1 Para (Cargo Ship)
(Para), 1000 tons, 56 meters. Built by 1982, acquired by 2005.

1 Ary Parreiras (Transport Ship)
(Ary Parreiras), 6500 tons, 119 meters, built by 1956.

Others Auxiliary's
6 Paraibano (survey crafts)
(Paraibano, Rio-Branco, Nogueira Da Gama, Itacurussa, Camocim, Caravelas). 32 tons, 16 meters, built by 1968/1971.

1 Almirante Hess (Torpedo recovery craft)
(Almirante Hess), 91 tons, 23 meters, in service by 1983.

1 Trinidade (Target Vessel)
(Trinidade), 1300 tons, 53 meters. Former Oilfield supply tug. Seized by 1987.

1 Ary Rongel (Icebreaker)
(Ary Rongel). 3600 tons, 75 meters. Acquired by 1994.

1 Antares (Oceanographic ship)
(Antares). 855 tons, 55 meters. Acquired by 1988 (Sirius). 1400+ tons, 77+ meters, commissioned by 1958.

1 Felinto Perry (Submarine Rescue and Salvage Ship)
(Felinto Perry), 4000 tons, 77 meters, 1970’s built, acquired by 1988.

5 Oceanic Tugs
3 Tritao
(Tritao, Tridente, Triunfo), 1600 tons, 55 meters, commissioned by 1986/1987.

2 Almirante Guilhem
(Almirante Guilhem, Almirante Guillobel), 2400 tons, 63 meters, commissioned by 1981.

10 Coastal Tugs
4 Stantug 2207
(Intrepido, Arrojado, Valente, Impavido), 200 tons, 22 meters, built by 1992.

4 Comandante Marriog
(Comandante Marriog, Comandante Didier, Tenente Magalhaes, Cabo Schramm), 115 tons, 19 meters, built by 1981.

2 Isaias de Noronha
(Tenente Lahmeyer and ?), 100 tons, 32 meters, built by 1972/1974, status uncertain.

+/- 14 Training Ships
1 Cisne Branco (sailing)
Cisne Branco , 1000 tons, 76 meters, commissioned by 1999.

1 Brazil (training Frigate)
(Brazil). 3500 tons, 129 meters, a indigenously Brazilian design directly derived from the Niteroi class, mainly used for training. This ship suffered from serious delays/problems mainly due to initial Brazilian naval shipyard/industry shortcoming. Commissioned by 1986.

3 Rosca Fina
(Rosca Fina, Voga Picada, Leva Arriba), 130 tons, 18+ meters, built by 1983/1984.

3 Aspirante Nascimento
(Aspirante Nascimento, Guarda Marinha Jansen, Guarda Marinha Brito), 130 tons,28 meters, built by 1980/1981.

6 Ajuri (training crafts)
28 tons, 17+ meters, built by 1996/1997.

+/- 9 Personnel Transports ships
1 Sargento Borges
(Sargento Borges), 108 tons, 28 meters.

4 Rio-Pardo
(Rio-Pardo, Rio-Negro, Rio-Chui,Rio-Oiapoque), 150 tons 35 meters, built by 1975/1976.

6 Rio-Doce
(Rio-Doce, Rio-Das-Contas, Rio-Formoso, Rio-Real, Rio-Turvo, Rio-Veride), 150 tons, 36 meters, built by 1954/1955, status uncertain.

+/- 16 Navigational aid tenders/Buoy Tenders Launches
1 Garnier Sampaio (Navigationnal Tender)
(Garnier Sampaio), 630 tons, 47+ meters. Ex-British Mineweesper transferred by 1995.

1 Almirante Graca Aranha (Lighthouse/Buoy Tender)
(Almirante Graca Aranha). 1300 tons, 75 meters, commissioned by 1976.

10 Achernar
(Achernar, Aldebaran, Betelgeuse, Capella, Denebola, Pollux, Vega, Rigel, Regulus, Fomalhaut). 100 tons, 19 meters, commissioned by 1995/1998.

4 Comandante Varella
(Comandante Varella, Tenente Castelho, Comandante Manhaes, Tenente Boanerges).300 tons, 37 meters, built by 1982/1985. (Can be reconfigured as a minelayer).

Various Harbor crafts
6 Munitions Lighters (88 tons, 23 meters).
+/- 5 Water Tankers/Barge Few Floating Docks.

RIVERS/LAKES BRAZILIAN FLEET
2 Pedro Teixeira (Rivers Gunboats)
(Pedro Texeira, Raposo Tavares). 690 tons, 63 meters. Commissioned by 1973.

3 Roraima (Rivers Gunboats)
(Roraima, Rondonia, Amapa). 340 tons, 46 meters, built by 1975/1976.

1 Parnaiba (Rivers Gunboats)
(Parnaiba), 620 tons, 55 meters, built by 1938 and considered as a museum ship !

1 Piraim (River Transport)
(Piraim), 73 tons, 25 meters, built by 1982 Paraguassu, 200 tons, 40 meters, acquired by 1972.

1 Faroleiro Mario Seixas (Rivers Navigational tender)
(Faroleiro Mario Seixas), 240 tons, 25 meters, built 1962, acquired by 1979.

1 Doutoir Montenegro (River Hospital Ship)
(Doutoir Montenegro), 400 tons, 42 meters, built by 1997, acquired by 2001.

2 Oswaldo Cruz (River Hospital Ship)
(Oswaldo Cruz, Carlos Chagas), 500 tons, 47 meters, built by 1984.

1 Potengi (River Oiler)
(Potengi), 600 tons, 54 meters, built by 1938.

Brazilian Marines: +/- 14 000 troops
Amphibious Armored Vehicles: +/- 25 AAV-7 (13 AAV-7A1; 12 LVTP-7).
Light-Tanks: 17 SK-105 Kuerassier.
Reco Vehicles: 6 EE-9 Cascavel.
Armored Transport Vehicles: 40 M-113 (tracked); 5 EE-11 Urutu (Wheeled).
Heavy Artillery (155mm): 8 M-114.
Medium Artillery (105mm): 15 M-101; 18 L-118 Light Gun.
Mortars: 8 K6A3 (120mm) and some 81mm.
Recoiless Rifles: Some M-20 (89mm) and M-40A1 (106mm).

Brasilian Naval Aviation:
Aicrafts:
- 23 A4 Skyhawk (12 upgraded and expected to remain in service, others likely retired)

Helicopters:
- 4 S-70B Seahawk (8 others in option), delivered by 2009
- 16 EC 725BR (delivered by 2010/2012, 8 in anti-ships version and 8 in utility model)
- 5 AS-332 Super Puma 2 AS-532 Cougar
- 12 Super Lynx Mk.21A (some were upgraded)
- 26 AS350 Ecureuil (Esquilo) (18 single engine, 8 twin engine)
- 17 Bell 206B-3 Jet Ranger III.

Thanks to its economic development (and has a strong desire to develop its shipbuilding industry), the Brazilian Navy will most likely remain the most powerful navy in South-America at least during the first half of this century (and usually closely followed by the fleet Chilean)

Next fleet review/editorial: Future of the Chilean Navy.

As usual, It may be that in my opinion, I forgot programs ? (or made few mistakes ?, especially for the auxiliary and smaller ships), then SAID IT ! Feel free to comment and give your opinion !