Brazil to build submarines

French naval defense contractor DCNS (Direction des Constructions Navales Services) is to help Brazil renew and modernize its submarine fleet--and get into the submarine construction business.

The Brazilian Navy has awarded DCNS that includes not only design and construction of four conventional-propulsion submarines but also technical assistance for the design and construction of the non-nuclear part of the first Brazilian nuclear-powered submarine, the Brazilian Navy being fully responsible for the nuclear plant.

DCN will also provide support services for the construction of a naval base and a shipyard in Brazil.

DCNS will act as prime contractor for four conventional-propulsion submarines to be built by a Joint Venture that will be set up by DCNS and Brazilian engineering and construction giant Odebrecht. The submarines will be designed in cooperation with Brazilian teams under DCNS design authority to meet the Brazilian Navy's specific needs: They will be suited to the protection and defense of the country's 8,500-km coast.

The first submarine is scheduled to enter active service in 2015. DCNS will produce key advanced-technology equipment in its own plants.

DCNS will provide design assistance Ð under the Brazilian Navy's design authority - for the non-nuclear part of the Navy's first nuclear submarine, which will be built by the Joint Venture to be set up by DCNS and Odebrecht.

DCNS will provide prime contractor assistance to Odebrecht for the construction of the naval shipyard that will build the five submarines covered by today's contract, as well as a naval base for the Brazilian Navy.

The Brazilian Navy says the four conventional submarines will be Sorpène type. DCNS says "the designs for the Brazilian Navy will combine advanced technologies with innovations developed for other programs, particularly with regard to hydrodynamics, acoustic discretion, automation and combat systems."