The Latin American Nation Developing an Unprecedented Nuclear Submarine Project beneath the Sea
While many nations still dream of a nuclear future, Brazil is taking a definitive step by formally beginning the construction of the Álvaro Alberto SN. This is a key piece of their defense program that promises.
The birth of a colossal submarine
The project is part of the ambitious , in which Brazil has been working for years with technical assistance from France. A key milestone was reached in 2024:
This first cut is not symbolic. It corresponds to the section of the hull where the nuclear power generation system will be housed, which implies enormous technical and structural complexity. As explained by , this is a decisive moment for the construction of the Álvaro Alberto SN-10.
Dimensions, power, and deterrence capability
Brazil’s Álvaro Alberto SN will have a length of 100 meters, a submerged displacement of 6,000 tons, and a beam of 9.8 meters, enough to accommodate a 48 MW pressurized water reactor (PWR) capable of propelling the ship at speeds of up to 25 knots underwater.
Offensively, . It will have a crew of 100 people and is expected to enter service around the year 2032.
A new strategic player in the South Atlantic
The not only represents a technological feat for Brazil, but also . By consolidating an independent nuclear propulsion system, the country enters a select group of nations with strategic submarine capability. A move that, although silent, is already beginning to attract international attention.
