Brazil launches third Riachuelo-class SSK
S Tonelero was launched on 27 March. (Brazilian Navy)
Brazilian shipbuilder Itaguaí Construções Navais (ICN) launched the third unit of the Riachuelo-class diesel-electric attack submarine (SSK), S Tonelero (S42), on 27 March.
The launch of the S Tonelero (S42) SSK by ICN (a joint venture between Novonor and Naval Group) took place at the Itaguaí Naval Complex.
The submarine is scheduled to be commissioned for Brazilian Submarine Force Command in May 2025, after the vessel completes successful sea trials, the Brazilian Navy told Janes.
S Tonelero is the third of four Riachuelo-class S-BR submarines purchased in 2009 as part of the Submarines Development Program (PROSUB), within the framework of the French-Brazilian strategic defence co-operation agreement signed in 2008.
The S-BR multi-purpose submarine was designed to fulfill anti-surface and anti-submarine warfare, special operations, and intelligence gathering missions.
It has six weapon launching tubes for the MBDA Exocet SM39 Block 2 Mod 2 anti-ship missile and Naval Group F21 heavyweight torpedo.
The first-of-class boat S Riachuelo (S40) and the second submarine S Humaitá (S41) were commissioned in September 2022 and January 2024 respectively. ICN is in the final stages of building the last Riachuelo-class submarine S Angostura (S43). The submarine is scheduled to be launched in 2025 and commissioned in 2026, the Brazilian Navy told Janes.
