Brazil to start the construction of 11 new NPa500MB offshore patrol vessels.

As reported by Brazil Defense Brief (BDB) on February 24, 2025, the Brazilian Navy's Naval Systems Design Center (CPSN) delivered the basic engineering plan for the 500-ton offshore patrol vessel (NPa500MB) to Emgepron, a state-owned company responsible for naval projects, in late January. This step is part of the Patrol Vessel Acquisition Program (PRONAPA), which involves the domestic construction of 11 offshore patrol vessels (OPVs) with a high percentage of locally sourced components. These vessels are designed for the surveillance and protection of the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), search and rescue operations, and combating illegal activities such as illegal fishing.
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The planned total cost for the eight NPa500MB OPVs is estimated at 2.8 billion reais (~476 million USD), while three other vessels will be specifically configured for mine countermeasures operations. (Picture source: Emgepron)

In August 2023, the NPa500MB project was included in the Growth Acceleration Program (New PAC) portfolio, categorizing it as a national priority. Emgepron also intends to market the vessel design to allied nations in South America, Africa, and Asia. The vessels will be built in national shipyards, with an initial construction budget of 250 million reais (~42.5 million USD) for the first unit. The planned total cost for the eight OPVs is estimated at 2.8 billion reais (~476 million USD), while the Multi-Year Plan (PPA) for 2024-27 allocates 5.26 billion reais (~894.2 million USD) for the program, extending until 2035.

The NPa500MB is equipped with a Bofors Mk4 40 mm multipurpose gun at the bow and two Oerlikon GAM-B01 20 mm machine guns amidships. The vessel's Combat Management System integrates navigation and surface search radars, an optronic sensor suite, X-band satellite communication, and a TV/streaming reception system for long-duration patrols. The vessel's specifications include an overall length of 58.9 meters, a beam of 9.0 meters, a maximum draft of 2.5 meters, and a displacement of 564 tons when fully loaded. It has a steel hull and an aluminum superstructure. The propulsion system consists of two diesel engines driving two shaft lines, achieving a sustained top speed of 21.7 knots and a service speed of 13 knots. The vessel has an operational range of 3,000 nautical miles at service speed and an endurance of 20 days.

The Brazilian Navy and Emgepron have formalized a technical cooperation agreement to support the engineering design and shipbuilding process. In November 2023, the Naval Systems Project Center (CPSN) and Emgepron signed this agreement to advance the development and construction of the NPa500MB. The agreement is intended to facilitate technological collaboration and the production of naval assets.

The NPa500MB program includes three vessels specifically configured for mine countermeasures operations. The production schedule anticipates the delivery of one ship in 2025, another in 2027, and two additional units between 2028 and 2030. The mine countermeasure vessels are scheduled for delivery between 2031 and 2037. The program's objective is to increase Brazil’s maritime security capabilities and allow for participation in international security initiatives.

The Brazilian Navy currently operates 22 offshore patrol vessels (OPVs), distributed across different classes. The Amazonas-class consists of three ships with a displacement of 2,200 tons, commissioned between 2012 and 2013. The Macaé-class comprises three vessels of 500 tons, with the latest unit commissioned in 2022. The Bracuí-class consists of four vessels of 864 tons, in service since 1993, while the Grajaú-class has 12 units of 200 tons, commissioned between 1993 and 1999. The future fleet of OPVs will also include two additional Macaé-class vessels, scheduled for commissioning in 2025 and 2027.