Construction of the “Humaitá” Submarine enabled the transfer of technology, the use of Brazilian labor and the development of Brazil’s national industry
By Edwaldo Costa – Itaguaí, RJ
On January 12, the Brazilian Navy, through its Directorate-General for Nuclear and Technological Development (DGDNTM), handed over the second of the four conventional submarines planned under the Submarine Development Program (PROSUB) to the Force’s Operational Sector at the Madeira Island Submarine Base. It is named Humaitá (S41) and operates with diesel-electric propulsion.
The “Humaitá” submarine, the result of a strategic partnership and technological cooperation with France, has completed an extensive and rigorous schedule of Acceptance Tests in port and at sea and is ready to begin its operational life in the Brazilian Fleet.
When it is incorporated into the Submarine Force, the “Humaitá” will increase, in the context of Naval Defense, the combat power of the Brazilian Navy in the task of “denying the use of the sea”. The submarine will also contribute to increasing the deterrent power of the Naval Force, as well as being an instrument of support for the country’s foreign policy. It will also fulfill other missions, such as patrolling the Brazilian Jurisdictional Waters, which form the Blue Amazon, and the maritime areas of the country’s strategic surroundings in the South Atlantic.
The Minister of Defense, José Mucio Monteiro, stressed that the competent management of PROSUB is worthy of special recognition, because its “deliveries” not only expand and strengthen our Naval Power, but also because they raise Brazil’s profile as an increasingly relevant “actor” on the international stage. He mentioned that the incorporation of the “Humaitá” submarine into the Navy; the construction of the other two conventional submarines; and the start of activities in the search for the Conventionally Armed Nuclear-Powered Submarine (SCPN) will add an important dimension to National Defense.
“This strengthening of our Armed Forces is what guarantees the conditions for the country to maintain its traditional peaceful stance in the complex environment of International Relations. A strong Navy is essential for the functioning of our economy, given that 95% of our exports and imports travel through our Blue Amazon. There are many riches to be protected at sea, which can translate into greater prosperity and dignity for the Brazilian people,” said the Minister.
The Commander of the Navy, Fleet Admiral Marcos Sampaio Olsen, explained that it was a bold step for the country to sign the strategic partnership in 2008. “The four conventional submarines are primarily for a transfer of technology that will enable us to build a Conventionally Armed Nuclear-Powered Submarine, which will certainly allow the country a level of interlocution compatible with Brazil’s political and strategic stature. The country needs to be able to monitor and protect our wealth,” said the Navy Commander.
According to the Navy’s Director General for Nuclear and Technological Development, Fleet Admiral Petronio Augusto Siqueira de Aguiar, the Navy now has another modern submarine to help guarantee the sovereignty of the Brazilian state. “It’s an investment for Brazilian society, in sovereignty and technology. More than 20,000 direct jobs and around 40,000 indirect jobs have already been created. In addition, the riches of our Blue Amazon are still incalculable, as well as its undeniable strategic relevance to national interests. We are talking about something great and extremely important for the future of our country.”
During the ceremony, the Minister of State for Defence, the Commander of the Navy, the Chief of Staff of the Navy, the Director General of Nuclear and Technological Development of the Navy, the Commander of Naval Operations, the Commander of the Submarine and the President of Itaguaí Construções Navais (ICN) signed the Submarine Armament Agreement, which formalized the incorporation of the “Humaitá” Submarine into the Navy and its transfer to the Navy’s Operational Sector.
The Chief of Staff of the Fleet (CEMA), Fleet Admiral André Luiz Silva Lima de Santana Mendes, explained that the Brazilian Navy is honored to celebrate the progress of another stage of PROSUB.
“The ‘Humaitá’ submarine is an important naval vessel that consolidates a feat of technological absorption and knowledge of strategic value – it is ready to act fully in favor of national sovereignty.”
CEMA also pointed out that in addition to the manufacture and launch of the third and fourth conventional submarines, scheduled for the coming years, the construction and operation of the SCPN will represent an extraordinary leap in Brazil’s technological framework and will reposition National Defense at a relevant strategic level commensurate with the magnitude of a country like Brazil.
Designed by the French company Naval Group, with the participation of Brazilian engineers and technicians, and built by ICN, the “Humaitá” has the operational capacity to remain on patrol for up to 80 days, and is equipped with a propulsion and power generation system which, combined with high-tech noise reduction resources, gives it high “hiding power” – the main characteristic of a submarine -. With its sophisticated Combat System (sensors and weapons), combined with its other characteristics, the submarine is a unique and advantageous means of combat when used in a variety of situations.
The president of ICN, Renaud Poyet, said that the company was created under PROSUB to carry out the construction of submarines under the program and is also capable of building other naval assets of interest to the Brazilian Navy.
“We are building what is most modern in the world’s Naval Defense Sector. Through this program, we started building a new class of submarines, the Riachuelo Class – derived from the French Scorpène model. And now, in the municipality of Iperó, in the state of São Paulo, we are sailing full speed ahead with the construction of Block 40 – the prototype of the nuclear plant that will, in future, be embarked on the SCPN, the first nuclear-powered submarine manufactured in South America. In this way, Brazil will expand its patrol and deterrence capacity, protecting the vast and precious heritage of the Brazilian coastline,” said Poyet.
The Commander of the Submarine “Humaitá”, Frigate Captain Martim Bezerra de Morais Júnior, explains that the S41 is an indispensable naval means for Naval Defense, to act, in case of need, in denying hostile vessels access to maritime spaces of national interest, increasing the combat and deterrent powers of the Brazilian Armed Forces.
“The ‘Humaitá’ submarine makes use of its particular characteristics, notably its ability to conceal itself and its power to cause damage to opposing naval forces through the lethality of its weaponry, in this case torpedoes and missiles. The S41’s operational capabilities enable it to reduce the control exercised by the opponent at sea, making it easier for other forces to act. It also makes it possible to carry out minesweeping, clarification operations, intelligence gathering and the infiltration and extraction of special operations elements in waters controlled by the enemy,” explained Commander Martim.
The extensive training process for the first crew of the “Humaitá” submarine lasted around two years and was divided into three stages: preliminary, on land and on board. During preliminary and onshore training, the crew underwent a series of theoretical classes and exercises on specific simulators, with the aim of getting to know the submarine in detail. At sea, there was rigorous training aimed at gaining full knowledge of how to operate the platform’s systems and equipment at sea, as well as its safe operation. The crew of the “Humaitá” was the first to be trained in the onshore and onboard training stages by the Almirante Áttila Monteiro Aché Training and Instruction Center.
The execution of PROSUB and the activities related to the submarines “Tonelero” (S42), “Angostura” (S43) and the SCPN “Álvaro Alberto” – the main object of PROSUB – are continuing as planned and are progressing at different stages of readiness.
The transfer of the second submarine of the “Riachuelo” Class to the Navy’s Operational Sector represents another important milestone within the scope of PROSUB, which has consolidated its position as one of the most important Strategic Programs of the Brazilian State.