The Brazilian Navy has commissioned its first Scorpène-class attack submarine in Itaguaí, Rio de Janeiro, French shipyard Naval Group announced.
The government signed the deal with Naval Group to construct the future submersible vessel in 2009 with the collaboration of state-run defense company ICN (Itaguaí Construções Navais).
Before delivery to the Madeira Island Submarine Base, the Riachuelo S-40 completed sea trials.
“The commissioning of the Riachuelo is a major milestone for the Brazilian Navy, ICN, Naval Group and all our partners. She will bring new capabilities to the Brazilian Navy for decades to come,” Naval Group CEO Pierre Éric Pommellet said.
“The successful delivery of the Riachuelo, the first Scorpene submarine entirely built in Brazil is proof of the success of Naval Group’s transfer of technology. We are proud to be part of the ProSub programme and remain fully committed to deliver the three other units of the series,” Pommellet continued.
Riachuelo
Launched in December 2018, the Riachuelo is built for various missions, including anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare, special operations, intelligence gathering, and long-range strikes.
The 72-meter (236-foot) submarine is armed with six torpedoes and 18 missile tubes.
Brazil’s Future Submarine Fleet
The Riachuelo is the first of four Scorpene-class submarines ordered under the “Programa de desenvolvimento de Submarinos or Submarine Development Programme” (ProSub), a military development partnership between Brazil and France.
The three remaining units, Humaita S-41, Tonelero S-42, and Ango Stura S-43, are in various stages of development. Humaita is expected to begin sea trials by the end of the year.
Alongside the four diesel-powered vessels, a nuclear-powered submarine is expected to enter the Brazilian naval fleet by 2029.