Unveiling the Tonelero: Brazil’s Homegrown Third Scorpène® Submarine Emerges!
On March 27th, the third of the quartet of Scorpène® submarines from the ProSub initiative was launched at the Itaguaí Naval base, attended by Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and French President Emmanuel Macron. The Tonelero has been entirely constructed in Brazil by Itaguaí Construções Navais (ICN), thanks to numerous years of fruitful technology transfer and collaboration with Naval Group.
Just a few weeks post-delivery of the Humaita, the Tonelero was successfully launched in Itaguaí and will commence sea trials shortly, with plans for delivery in 2025. Angostura, the final submarine in the series, is scheduled to launch in 2025.
The unveiling of the Tonelero signifies the triumph of the ProSub initiative, which is a pivotal extension of the French-Brazilian strategic defense partnership established in 2008. This initiative not only equips the Brazilian Navy with enhanced capabilities and supports its ambitious Amazonia Azul strategy, but it also empowers Brazil to increasingly depend on a sovereign national industrial foundation.
“The launch of the Tonelero marks a significant achievement for the Brazilian Navy, ICN, Naval Group, and all our collaborators. This milestone stems from our collective efforts to ensure the success of the ProSub initiative and its associated technology transfer. We are privileged by the high degree of trust that the Brazilian Navy has placed in our expertise, and we remain wholly dedicated to supporting the requirements of the Brazilian Navy while fostering the growth of a formidable Brazilian naval industry,” stated Pierre Éric Pommellet, Chairman and CEO of Naval Group.
Naval Group: A long-term strategic ally in Brazilian independence
In 2009, the Brazilian Navy selected Naval Group for its “Programa de desenvolvimento de Submarinos,” the ProSub initiative. Brazil opted to bolster its submarine fleet with four new conventional submarines (SSK) alongside the development of an indigenous nuclear-powered submarine (SSN).
The Scorpène® submarines of the ProSub initiative are crafted and assembled in the shipyard developed in Itaguaí by ICN. Naval Group has played a vital role in this initiative by transferring technology, providing the submarine design blueprints, supplying essential equipment, and offering technical assistance to ICN. Teams from the ICN shipyard have also received training in submarine construction techniques in France, as part of a comprehensive training program for Brazilian welders, formers, pipe fitters, and electricians. This education, along with technical support, empowers ICN to master the complete production lifecycle from sheet metal formation to the commissioning and testing of onboard systems.
Naval Group has also selected and certified several local suppliers who have joined its supply chain for the ProSub contract, along with other business prospects. This approach allows the company’s partners to tap into new markets by leveraging the know-how and experience gained through the initiative. Consequently, Naval Group plays a pivotal role in shaping a robust Brazilian naval industrial ecosystem. Hundreds of Naval Group employees are also engaged in backend operations across various French locations.
Furthermore, Naval Group aids the Brazilian Navy in designing its inaugural nuclear-powered submarine and will extend support throughout the entire lifecycle of the vessels beyond mere construction.
Scorpène®: A pivotal benchmark for conventional attack submarines worldwide
Scorpène® represents a sophisticated, high-performing, and stealthy submarine. Resilient and reliable, it is crafted for deep ocean exploration yet proficient in shallow water operations. Multifaceted, it meets a wide array of mission requirements such as Anti-Surface and Anti-Submarine Warfare, special operations, and intelligence collection. Remarkably stealthy and swift, it boasts a level of operational automation that enables a reduced crew size, thereby significantly lowering operational expenditures. Its astonishing combat capability is underscored by six weapon launching tubes and the capacity to carry 18 weapons (torpedoes, missiles).
Scorpène® is outfitted with an advanced combat system, SUBTICS®, which addresses the escalating challenges of modern submarine missions in both blue and shallow waters, covering the entire spectrum of submarine warfare. Highly adaptable and scalable, SUBTICS® can be seamlessly integrated into new platforms or incorporated as part of modernization efforts for existing submarines.
In addition to these four Scorpène® submarines, ten additional units, specifically designed and adapted by Naval Group for the export market, are either operational or under construction globally: two for the Chilean Navy, two for the Malaysian Navy, and six for the Indian Navy. These achievements exemplify Naval Group’s capacity to deliver world-class submarines and to execute successful technology transfers.
The final design of the submarine is tailored to accommodate the distinct requirements of various navies while incorporating cutting-edge innovations. For instance, the Brazilian Scorpène® is marginally longer than the initial model to accommodate a larger crew as well as additional provisions and fuel. Such adaptations facilitate longer missions and greater operational ranges.
All Brazilian Scorpène® submarines will be equipped with Naval Group’s next-generation F21 heavy-weight torpedo, making Brazil the first international customer for this advanced technology.
