The Brazilian Navy has commissioned its first Tamandare-class frigate (F200), built by leading German shipbuilder TKMS at the Brazilian shipyard in Itajai. 

The warship was officially commissioned during a ceremony held by the Brazilian Navy on April 24. 

This is the first vessel of the Tamandare Class Frigates Program (PFCT), the most modern and innovative naval project ever developed in Brazil, TKMS said in an official media release.

The PFCT is led by the Brazilian Navy, managed by EMGEPRON (Naval Projects Management Company), and executed by Aguas Azuis – a special purpose entity formed by TKMS, Brazilian entities Embraer, and Atech.
 
Meanwhile, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed on the same day between the Brazilian Navy, TKMS and Embraer, has paved way for potential acquisition of a second batch of four more such platforms in future. 

“The commissioning of the Tamandare frigate now represents a new milestone in this journey, and TKMS stands ready to continue it with a second batch of four additional ships. 

“The signing of a Memorandum of Understanding in this regard is a strong sign of the deep trust between us and Brazil,” Oliver Burkhard, CEO of TKMS, who attended the commissioning ceremony, said, as per the media release. 

The Tamandare class frigates are based on the MEKO A-100 platform, developed by TKMS and recognised for its modularity, operational flexibility, and ability to adapt to different mission scenarios. 

Equipped with state-of-the-art combat systems, sensors, and weaponry, the F200 "sets a new technological and operational benchmark for the Brazilian Navy," TKMS said. 

With its delivery, Brazil joins a group of 18 navies worldwide that operate surface vessels supplied by TKMS. 

In addition to the F200, three more frigates would be delivered to the Brazilian Navy by 2029 as part of a contract signed in 2020.