Brazil

OVERVIEW

Brazil's long coastline on the Atlantic Ocean and an extensive system of rivers both underscore the need for a vital naval role in national defense. Brazil has long been in competition with Argentina to maintain the strongest navy in South America.

The Brazilian navy sees its role as one of long-range power projection and has prioritized several programs to fulfill that role, including the acquisition of four RIACHUELO-class submarines and four TAMANDARE-class corvettes.