Tonelero, the third Brazilian Scorpène-class submarine built in Brazil with support of Naval Group, has been delivered to the Brazilian Navy.
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Press Release, Paris, 28 November 2025: The Tonelero, the third Brazilian Scorpène class submarine built in Brazil with support of Naval Group, was delivered to the Brazilian Navy on November 26th at the Itaguai naval base. On the same day, the fourth Scorpène submarine, the Almirante Karam, was officially launched. These two major milestones underline the strong technological progress of the Brazilian Navy and the strengthening of its operational capabilities.
The first submarine of the Submarine Development Programme (PROSUB), Riachuelo (S40), was commissioned by the Brazilian Navy in September 2022. The second, Humaitá (S41), followed in January 2024. As part of a comprehensive Technology Transfer (ToT) agreement, Naval Group is supporting the construction of four Scorpène-class submarines at the Itaguaí Construções Navais (ICN) shipyard and naval base.
“We are honoured to contribute to strengthening Brazil’s maritime sovereignty. More than delivering submarines, our mission is to build, together with Brazil, a long-term technological and industrial legacy. Our partnership with the Brazilian Navy is a prime example of strategic cooperation between nations that share common values and objectives in the global arena”, says Pierre Éric Pommellet, Chairman and CEO of Naval Group.
Naval Group, a long-term strategic partner of the Brazilian sovereignty: The strategic partnership between the Brazilian Navy and Naval Group continues to advance national sovereignty and technological development through PROSUB.
Naval Group has contributed to this programme by transferring technology, supplying key equipment, and offering technical assistance to ICN. In addition, ICN shipyard teams received training in submarine construction techniques in France, as part of an extensive training programme for Brazilian welders, metal formers, plumbers, and electricians. This knowledge transfer enables ICN to master the entire production process — from metal plate forming to the commissioning and testing of onboard systems.
In parallel, Naval Group has qualified several local suppliers, integrating them into its supply chain not only for PROSUB but also for future business opportunities. This approach allows these partners to access new markets by leveraging the expertise and experience gained through the programme.
Scorpène, a key reference of conventional attack submarines for navies: The Scorpène submarines are conventional submarines designed and specifically adapted by Naval Group to address the operational requirements of the Brazilian Navy. A robust and multipurpose submarine, it covers the full spectrum of submarine warfare, such as anti-surface warfare, anti-submarine warfare and special operations. An ocean-going submarine, capable of operating in both deep and shallow water, Scorpène is characterised by its acoustic superiority, sea endurance and powerful combat capability.
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