As it progresses with the launching and commissioning of its new Riachuelo-class attack submarines of the Brazilian Navy, the Brazilian government has been undertaking various initiatives for the next step of the PROSUB (Brazilian Submarine Development Program). This is evidenced by the efforts that the Brazilian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has been making with France, seeking increased support and cooperation for the development of the future nuclear-powered submarine Álvaro Alberto, focusing on a key aspect: the necessary nuclear fuel that will propel this unit.
In broad terms, the PROSUB has set as one of its objectives the construction of four new diesel-electric attack submarines. Built with French assistance, the Riachuelo class is based on the Scorpene submarines from Naval Group, but with larger displacement and dimensions to meet the requirements of the Brazilian Navy. As of today, the first two units of the program have been incorporated into service, with the recent commissioning of the third submarine, the Tonelero, while the fourth is at various stages of completion.
However, the most ambitious goal of the PROSUB is the development and construction of a nuclear-powered submarine. Named SN Álvaro Alberto (SN-10), progress has been made in various aspects, such as the construction of the prototype nuclear reactor for testing, although the project is shrouded in secrecy.
One of the latest developments came from the Brazilian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which is in negotiations with France to increase the level of cooperation that the European country can offer to the program. This was expressed by the Brazilian Ministry of Foreign Affairs for Europe and North America, Maria Luisa Escorel, who indicated that: “We believe that yes, the area of fuel is an area where there may have been resistance in the past, but today there are already conversations about this possibility: that France cooperates with us even in this aspect in light of nuclear energy, nuclear fuel.” Adding: “It is a strategic, sensitive, delicate issue, but yes, the two countries are also talking about it.”
To date, regarding the nuclear submarine Álvaro Alberto, French support is based on issues related to the design of the submarine, such as the necessary modifications to the hull to accommodate the future nuclear reactor. However, the development of this, along with other key aspects such as fuel, was Brazil’s responsibility, being an area, in terms of its naval application, that presents challenges for the current capabilities of the South American country.
Therefore, Brazil’s quest for increased cooperation from France could be indicative of the challenges and difficulties that the country faces in achieving this milestone in the course of the next decade.
*Photographs and images used for illustrative purposes.
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