Commissioning of the Brazilian Navy’s lead Scorpene-class attack submarine Riachuelo at BSIM in Itaguaí, Rio de Janeiro. Credit: ©Marinha Brasil/Naval Group.

The Brazilian Navy has commissioned the lead Scorpene-class attack submarine, Riachuelo S-40, during a ceremony in Itaguaí, Rio de Janeiro.

Announced by French shipbuilder Naval Group, the commissioning ceremony was held at Submarine Base of Madeira Island (BSIM) on 1 September.

Before entering the service, the submarine has already completed its sea trials.

Riachuelo is the first of four submarines under the Brazilian Navy’s Programa de desenvolvimento de Submarinos or Submarine Development Programme (Prosub), which is a partnership between Brazil and France.

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

In 2009, the Brazilian Navy selected Naval Group to develop the four submarines.

See Also:

The company, under a transfer of technology (TT) programme, worked with Brazil’s Itaguaí Construções Navais (ICN).

ICN is responsible for manufacturing and assembling of the four submarines entirely in Brazil.

Naval Group CEO Pierre Éric Pommellet said: “The commissioning of 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.

“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.”

Launched in 2018, Riachuelo is a 2000t conventional submarine capable of performing several missions including anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare, long-range strikes, special operations and intelligence gathering.

The Scorpene-class conventional attack submarines (SSK) has a six weapon launching torpedoes tubes and 18 missiles.

Currently, the remaining three submarines, Humaita S-41, Tonelero S-42, and Ango Stura S-43, are under different stages of construction.

Humaitá is expected to commence its trials later this year.