Communications and combat systems equipment contracts awarded for Brazilian frigates

Two Europe-based companies – Safran Electronics & Defense and Rohde & Schwarz – have recently announced contracts with the Brazilian company Águas Azuis Construção Naval (a joint venture between ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems, Embraer Defesa & Segurança, and Atech Negocios em Tecnologias) to deliver communications and combat systems equipment for the Brazilian Navy's Tamandaré-class frigates programme (PFCT).

Germany's Rohde & Schwarz announced on 28 June that it will supply the company's NAVICS fully IP-based integrated communications system (ICS) and a naval communications electronic support measures (C-ESM) passive sensor solution for radio monitoring and radio location to equip the Tamandaré-class MEKO A-100MB frigates.

NAVICS was designed to interconnect all sub-systems used for internal and external secure communications. It relies on voice terminals; a global maritime distress and safety system (GMDSS); phones; satellite communication (SATCOM) systems; a communications control suite; cyber-security equipment; flight-deck radios; a C-ESM system; a message-handling system; encryption filters; antennas; a public address system; smartphones and VHF, V/UHF; and the company's SOVERON-family HF radios.

The four frigates will each be fitted with two Safran Electronics & Defense Paseo XLR long-range modular gyrostabilised electro-optical identification and fire-control systems, the company told Janes on 24 June.

Eight systems were acquired in May by Águas Azuis Construção Naval, the company added. The logistics and supply of spare parts will be defined during the contract execution.

The first two sighting systems will be delivered to Brazil in the beginning of 2023, Safran announced in a 24 June press release.

Safran Eletrônica & Defesa Brasil will provide customer support services including spare parts and repairs, according to the contract.