As the Brazilian Navy is in the process of incorporating the latest attack submarines developed under the PROSUB Program, the naval force is increasingly focusing on the next major step in its strategic capabilities. Days ago, on June 12, it was confirmed that the first cutting of the steel plate of a preliminary section of the hull of the Álvaro Alberto, its future nuclear-powered attack submarine, took place, setting the start of its construction in 2025.
Conceived and planned over decades, the local construction of a nuclear-powered submarine comprises the final phase of the Submarine Development Program (or PROSUB), through which the Brazilian Navy is renewing its submarine and strategic projection capabilities. According to recent advances, the first two units of the Riachuelo Class (based on the Naval Group’s Scorpene Class but adapted to Brazilian requirements) have already been incorporated into service, while the third submarine (Tonelero S-42) has already been launched and the fourth is nearing the end of its construction.
Anticipating the completion of this stage in the coming years, with the entry into service of the four Riachuelo Class submarines, the Brazilian Navy is now setting its sights on what is the most ambitious naval construction program in its history. In recent weeks, the Brazilian government has been seeking key support in France for the program, while advancing the development of the nuclear reactor prototype that will power the Álvaro Alberto.
The latest news, reported on June 12, was the celebration of the cutting of the first steel plate for the future nuclear-powered submarine, corresponding to the Preliminary Section C of the pressure hull of the Conventionally Armed Nuclear Submarine. The milestone was recorded at the facilities of the Metal Structures Manufacturing Unit (UFEM) in the Itaguaí Naval Complex (RJ).
The Brazilian Navy highlighted that this is a fundamental step towards the start of the construction of the Álvaro Alberto in 2025, stating: “The cutting of the plate, which took place this week, represents the resumption of the construction of pressure hulls by Itaguaí Construções Navais (ICN), being an important milestone in the construction process of the submarine, especially because Section C corresponds to the region where the propulsion energy will be generated, directly impacting its structural complexity. The Preliminary Section C consists of one of the critical activities throughout the construction process, representing the first hull construction activity, as the partial result of the homologation process achieved so far.”
Cover image used for illustrative purposes.
You may also like: The MSS 1.2 AC anti-tank missile testing advances in preparation for its adoption by the Brazilian Army
