Negotiations underway for Brazil’s first homegrown nuclear submarine’s final phase

The Brazilian Navy is in the process of finalizing contractual details for the third phase of its Submarine Development Program (Prosub), focusing on the construction of the nation’s first nuclear-powered submarine.

Current negotiations aim to determine the final costs associated with the project’s completion.

Prosub initiated several years ago, has already consumed approximately R$40 billion (US$8.5 billion) in its first two stages.

The government expects to pay an additional R$4 billion before the program’s completion in 2025, attributed to the final Scorpène-class conventional submarine built in partnership with France.

Upon completion, the new submarine will be equipped with the first atomic reactor both designed and constructed in Brazil.

Operations are slated to commence by 2027, following the construction of the hull after the conventional Angustura submarine delivery in 2025.

Further, the Brazilian Navy has indicated an interest in selling conventional submarines from the program to other Latin American countries.

Beyond the nuclear submarine construction, Prosub’s next challenge will be to maintain the infrastructure and workforce in Itaguaí.

The Brazilian Ministry of Defense and Navy are seeking political support for this initiative.

In addition to domestic use, the Brazilian Navy is also considering the sale of nuclear vessels to neighboring countries.

Naval Group has expressed interest in this prospect. Recently, Argentine officials were received to discuss potential business.

Alongside the submarine project, the Navy is also examining the development of new patrol ships, including domestically-produced radar in collaboration with the University of São Paulo (USP).

With USP’s support, the Navy is also developing a laser cannon for its vessels and an autonomous surface vehicle similar to those used by Ukraine’s Navy against the Russian Black Sea fleet.

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