Niteroi-class

Summary

Description

The Niterói-class frigates comprise a group of naval vessels constructed for the Brazilian Navy. Designed and built by the British shipyard Vosper Thornycroft (VT) in the 1970s, they were certain ships designated as the Mk 10 and are recognized as the largest in a series manufactured by VT for various nations, including the Royal Navy.

These vessels have undergone modernization initiatives collectively known as the 'ModFrag' program, executed between 1996 and 2005, albeit delays were encountered due to financial constraints and the necessity to validate new software through sea trials. Out of six ships built, four were constructed in England encompassing two anti-submarine warfare (ASW) and two general-purpose (GP) versions. The remaining two ASW frigates were built in Brazil at the Arsenal da Marinha in Rio de Janeiro, with VT providing support. The ASW frigates were originally equipped with an Ikara missile launcher, which was removed during modernization. The GP versions featured a second 4.5-inch gun. A seventh vessel, identical to its sister ships but unarmed, was built for training purposes.

The Niterói-class frigates initially featured distinct armament divisions, with the ASW ships sporting specialized missile launchers and the GP vessels benefiting from additional gunnery. However, the modernization has seen alterations and removal of certain weaponry, aligning the technology and combat systems with contemporary standards.

Presently, plans are in place to replace three active Niterói-class frigates with the next-generation Tamandaré-class. The remaining frigates will be revitalized and their combat systems upgraded to the SICONTA MkII Mod. 1, a standard developed by the Brazilian firm Akaer Engenharia.

Technical specifications