Construction has begun on the Brazilian Navy’s first conventional-propulsion submarine (SSK) at the DCNS naval shipyard in Cherbourg.

The 75m-long vessel is one of the four SSK Class submarines that can use conventional or diesel-electric propulsion with an accommodation of up to 45 crew, with a displacement of less than 2,000t.

The DCNS contract with Brazilian Navy calls for the construction of four SSK Class submarines under a technology transfer agreement.

The contract also includes technical assistance with the construction of the non-nuclear portions of the country’s first nuclear-powered submarine as well as the construction of a naval shipyard and a submarine base for the Brazilian Navy.

The first SSK Class submarine is scheduled to enter service with the Brazilian Navy in 2017.