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Washington on alert! Now it's serious: Brazilian Navy prepares for a naval revolution and promises to become the first country in Latin America to build and operate an aircraft carrier

Written by Flavia Marinho
Published 12/02/2025 às 19:56
Washington on alert! Now it's serious: The Brazilian Navy wants to build an aircraft carrier and promises to make the country the first in Latin America to operate this powerful machine, revolutionizing its geopolitical position in the world
Image: Let's talk about History

Washington on alert! The Brazilian Navy wants to build an aircraft carrier and promises to make the country the first in Latin America to operate this powerful machine, revolutionizing its geopolitical position in the world

The Brazilian Navy is determined to elevate its position on the global geopolitical stage with an ambitious project: the construction of an aircraft carrier. If implemented, this plan would make Brazil the first country in Latin America to operate a vessel of this size, consolidating its naval strength and reinforcing its maritime defense capacity.

The progress of this initiative has put Washington on alert, highlighting the strategic impact of this movement.

Brazil targets world naval elite with plans for aircraft carrier

The project for a Brazilian aircraft carrier represents a shift in the country's defense strategy. The Brazilian Navy sees this vessel as a crucial factor in expanding its presence in the oceans and strengthening its power projection. In addition to reinforcing the security of the call blue amazon, the initiative could redefine Brazil's position on the international military scene.

The proposal has generated reactions in geopolitical circles, especially in Washington, which closely monitors any move that alters the naval balance in the region. If Brazil moves forward with this project, it could join a select group of nations that operate aircraft carriers, expanding its influence and response capacity in conflict and defense scenarios.

Now it's serious! Brazil wants to build a nuclear aircraft carrier by 2040

Among the plans being evaluated, the possibility of a nuclear aircraft carrier stands out, a technology mastered only by a few naval powers. The Brazilian Navy sees this alternative as a way to ensure greater autonomy and projection power in the long term. The goal is for the vessel to be operational by 2040, an audacious goal that, if achieved, will revolutionize the country's naval defense.

With an extensive coastline and the need to protect its maritime resources, Brazil sees a nuclear aircraft carrier as a strategic investment to consolidate its sovereignty in the oceans. However, experts warn that the challenge goes beyond building the vessel: it will be necessary to develop an advanced support structure, train highly specialized crews and ensure a robust budget for fleet maintenance.

Challenges for building a nuclear aircraft carrier

The implementation of a nuclear aircraft carrier by the Brazilian Navy faces considerable challenges. Admiral Marcos Sampaio Olsen emphasizes that, despite the strategic interest, the country will need solid financial planning and significant investments in technology to make the project viable.

In addition to the high cost, construction requires advanced technical knowledge, a specialized industrial sector and adequate support infrastructure. Currently, few nations have the expertise needed to operate a vessel of this type. Therefore, analysts question whether Brazil will be able to overcome these barriers and turn its vision into reality.

An ambitious plan by the Brazilian Navy that could redefine naval geopolitics

If Brazil manages to develop a nuclear aircraft carrier, it will have a much stronger presence on the global stage. This decision would influence the geopolitical balance of the region and provoke reactions from countries that have historically dominated the seas, such as the United States and the United Kingdom.

The comparison with Russia is inevitable. Despite being a major military power, Moscow has chosen not to prioritize aircraft carriers in its naval strategy, which has led to debates about the real need for this type of vessel for the Brazilian Navy. However, supporters of the initiative argue that, unlike Russia, Brazil has an extensive coastline and needs the means to protect its maritime interests.

The realization of this project will require well-founded strategic decisions. Brazil will have to decide whether it intends to develop its own vessel from scratch or seek alternatives on the international market.

Brazilian Navy also evaluates acquisition of aircraft carrier HMS Prince of Wales

In addition to the idea of ​​having its own aircraft carrier, the Brazilian Navy has shown interest in acquiring the HMS Prince of Wales, an aircraft carrier of the British Royal Navy. The possibility generated intense discussions among experts, since the purchase of this vessel could accelerate the process of strengthening Brazil's naval forces.

The acquisition of the British aircraft carrier would provide Brazil with an immediate power projection capability in the Atlantic. However, the logistical and financial challenges are significant. The cost of operating and maintaining a ship of this size is extremely high, which raises doubts about the viability of this investment.

Another factor complicating the negotiation is competition. Australia is also interested in buying the HMS Prince of Wales, which may influence the Brazilian Navy's decision-making process. In addition, the need to adapt the Brazilian fleet to operate with this aircraft carrier would require additional time and resources.

Brazil's naval strength and defense capability

With a total of approximately 81.040 personnel, the Brazilian Navy is the largest naval force in Latin America. Its mission includes the protection of Brazil's vast coastline, maritime security operations, and the defense of the country's natural resources. In addition, the Navy plays a crucial role in humanitarian missions, scientific research, and international cooperation.

Currently, the main vessel in the Brazilian fleet is the NAM Atlântico (A140), an amphibious assault helicopter carrier acquired from the United Kingdom. Originally operated as HMS Ocean, Atlantic became the largest vessel in the Brazilian Navy, performing strategic functions of force projection and amphibious operations.

Despite this progress, Brazil still does not have an operational aircraft carrier. In the past, the country operated the NAe São Paulo, acquired from France, but the vessel was decommissioned due to technical problems and high maintenance costs. Now, with the new plans under discussion, the Navy seeks to recover this capability and take a leap forward in its defense strategy.

Brazil seeks to regain its naval relevance

Historically, Brazil has been prominent in the naval scene. At the beginning of the 20th century, the country surprised the world by acquiring battleships Minas Gerais e São Paulo, which were considered the most advanced of their time. These ships reinforced Brazil's influence in South America and demonstrated its interest in having a modern and well-equipped navy.

Now, with the possibility of developing its own aircraft carrier or acquiring a foreign model, Brazil is once again seeking to consolidate its position among the most important naval forces in the world. The challenges are enormous, but the potential for change in the geopolitical scenario is equally significant.

Whether with a nuclear aircraft carrier or with the purchase of HMS Prince of Wales, one thing is certain: the Brazilian Navy is determined to redefine its future and strengthen its presence at sea. And, in light of this movement, Washington continues to closely monitor each step of this evolution.

What do you think? Does Brazil really need a nuclear aircraft carrier to strengthen its naval defense, or would it be a risky investment? Could this decision change the geopolitical balance in Latin America? Leave your opinion in the comments! 🔥👇

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Jose Rodrigo
Jose Rodrigo
13/02/2025 00:46

I know, but it's easy to be a drone carrier.

Fernando Porto
Fernando Porto
13/02/2025 08:02

The biggest joke of the month lol FFAA bankrupt, Lula breaking the country! Children's news

Color
Color
13/02/2025 09:04

Considering everything, including modern warfare, it is better to build a naval drone carrier or a drone-carrying airship, and also invest heavily in the development of drones equipped with good high-precision weapons and laser technology. Building aircraft carriers is a thing of the past, just like those large battleships of the past, equipped with cannons, which are useless today after the development of missiles and modern aircraft. The world is moving towards hypersonic weapons, laser weapons, drones and high-precision weapons. An aircraft carrier now will be the same as investing in a battleship equipped with cannons at the beginning of the era of missiles and well-equipped aircraft. Massacre on the battlefield. How will an aircraft carrier protect itself from laser weapons, drone swarms, hypersonic missiles like the Kinzhal, among so many other weapons? It will simply be a giant target on the high seas, and worse, if it is sunk, which is very likely to happen, it will demoralize the country's navy.
Today, the US does not risk placing its aircraft carriers anywhere, because it knows the risks faced with modern weapons, and the cost of protecting this giant at sea is extremely high. An attack weapon that requires millions to be protected.

Flavia Marinho

Flavia Marinho is a postgraduate engineer with extensive experience in the onshore and offshore shipbuilding industry. In recent years, she has dedicated herself to writing articles for news websites in the areas of military, security, industry, oil and gas, energy, shipbuilding, geopolitics, jobs and courses. Contact flaviacamil@gmail.com for suggestions, job openings or advertising on our website. Do not send your resume, we are not hiring!

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