Brazilian Navy

The Brazilian Navy, or "Marinha do Brasil," is the naval service branch of the Brazilian Armed Forces and one of the largest navies in the Americas. Its primary missions include safeguarding Brazil's vast maritime interests, which encompass a coastline stretching over 7,000 kilometers, as well as its exclusive economic zone that is rich in natural resources. The navy is also responsible for riverine and littoral security given Brazil's extensive river network.

The surface fleet consists of a range of frigates, corvettes, and patrol vessels. The Niterói-class frigates, although aging, remain the primary surface combatants. These ships are complemented by the Barroso-class corvette and by the new Tamandaré-class frigates, the lead ship of which was commissioned in April 2026; a first batch of four is building at Itajaí, and a second batch of four agreed in 2026 will take the class to eight hulls. These surface vessels are generally equipped for anti-ship, anti-air, and anti-submarine warfare, albeit with varying degrees of technological sophistication.

Brazil has been actively modernizing its submarine fleet, with the highlight being the Scorpène-class diesel-electric submarines built in collaboration with France. These are expected to significantly bolster Brazil's underwater capabilities. Additionally, the development of the Álvaro Alberto, Brazil's first nuclear-powered submarine, symbolizes the navy's long-term ambitions for blue-water capabilities and strategic deterrence. This project is part of the PROSUB program aimed at enhancing Brazil's naval construction capabilities and establishing a domestic submarine industrial base.

In terms of aviation and amphibious capabilities, the Brazilian Navy operates several helicopter models for roles ranging from anti-submarine warfare to utility tasks. The navy operates two former Royal Navy amphibious ships: the Atlântico, converted from the helicopter carrier Ocean, and the former Bulwark, acquired in 2025 and entering Brazilian service as the Oiapoque after refit. These ships have boosted Brazil's power projection and humanitarian aid capabilities.

Budgetary constraints and political considerations have slowed some modernization efforts, impacting the pace at which older platforms are being replaced or upgraded. Furthermore, while Brazil has developed a domestic shipbuilding industry, which has contributed to certain naval projects, it still relies considerably on international partnerships for more advanced systems and platforms.